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Precautions for Cold Weather
Health and Safety
Winter in Michigan is a welcomed season
for some, but for others, the change in weather poses serious risks and
hazards. To combat these potential dangers, there are several guidelines
citizens can follow to stay safe.
In your home, if you use a wood
stove, fireplace or space heater, be extremely careful. Always keep a
multipurpose, dry chemical fire extinguisher near the area you are
heating. Do not burn paper in your fireplace and do not use leak flue gas
indoors. If you are using a kerosene heater, be sure it is located in a
well-ventilated space and only use the designated fuel.
While
inside, monitor the indoor temperature carefully. Because they loose body
heat much faster than adults, infants should never sleep in a cool or cold
room. It is also necessary for older adults to take extra home heating
precautions, as they tend to have slower metabolisms and therefore make
and retain less heat than other adults.
If you are caring for an
infant or senior citizen, be sure to frequently check that their homes are
adequately heated. If heating is not at a safe level, it is advised to
make alternative housing arrangements.
When the weather is
extremely cold, and especially if there are high winds, try to stay
indoors. Making trips outside as brief as possible can help to reduce the
potential dangers associated with cold weather.
The following tips
can help to protect health and safety while outside.
- Dress warmly and stay dry: Be sure to dress in layers in wind
resistant clothing. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers will hold
more body heat than cotton. If your clothing is wet, go inside as soon
as possible. When inside, remove the clothing as soon as possible.
- Avoid exertion: Cold weather can put extra strain on the heart. If
you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s
advice about shoveling snow or other hard work in the cold. The body is
already working hard to stay warm, so extra work can cause an overload.
- Cover exposed skin: Always wear a warm hat that covers ears, gloves
or mittens that cover the full wrist, and a scarf or ski mask to protect
face and neck.
It is important to be aware of any changes in
exposed skin during cold weather periods. Frostbite and hypothermia are
very serious conditions that can be lessoned by early recognition and
treatment.
Frostbitten skin is hard, pale, cold and has no feeling.
When the frostbitten skin is in warm air, it will become red and painful.
Very severe frostbite can cause blisters, gangrene (blackened dead
tissue), and deep tissue damage in tendons, muscles, nerves and
bones.
Hypothermia is life-threatening condition that is caused by
short exposure to extreme cold or long exposure to mild cold. Symptoms of
hypothermia include trembling, stiffness of muscles, puffiness in the
face, poor coordination, confusion, and low consciousness and
reactivity.
If you suspect frostbite, hypothermia or other
complications surrounding extreme weather, seek emergency medical care
immediately.
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MDCH Releases Public Health Consultation Responsiveness Summary for West KL Avenue Landfill
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) recently released a public Health Consultation – Response to Public Comments for West KL Avenue Landfill. The consultation addresses public comments received for the May 2003 draft public health consultation for the site.
West KL Avenue Landfill is a former sanitary landfill in Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County. It operated from the 1960s until it was closed, by order of the state, in 1979. The state ordered the landfill closed after volatile organic compounds were detected in residential wells in the area. U.S. EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List in 1982 and later signed a Record of Decision (ROD) that selected a final cleanup for the site.
Remediation steps included placing an impermeable cap over the landfill. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality mandates that closed landfills be covered with an impermeable cap. MDCH also recommended that remediation steps be completed. As private wells became impacted by the contaminated groundwater, homes were connected to the municipal water supply that had been extended to the area.
In 2002, U.S. EPA amended the ROD so that municipal water would be supplied to homes ahead of the path of the plume. This proactive measure would help prevent possible future exposures to contaminated groundwater. MDCH supports this protective measure.
As part of the regulatory process for the amendment to the ROD, U.S. EPA held a public meeting for the township residents in October 2002. Several residents raised health concerns about the West KL Avenue Landfill site. These concerns are addressed in the Health Consultation.
The Department of Community Health conducted a follow-up meeting with the community June 4, 2003. Questions and concerns voiced at this meeting are also addressed in the Health Consultation. Copies of the Health Consultation Response to Public Comments are available at the Kalamazoo Public Library, Oshtemo Branch, 7265 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The consultation is also posted on the Department of Community Health website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch. Questions regarding the consultation may be addressed to Christina Bush, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, at bushcr@michigan.gov or at 1-800-648-6942. The Michigan Department of Community Health Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology conducted the Public Health Consultation for West KL Avenue Landfill under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Information concerning the human health effects of exposure to specific environmental contaminants can be found on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) web page at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html.
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$500,000 Earmark For Detroit Wayne County Health Authority Heads To President's Desk
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm applauded the U.S. Senate today as it passed the Omnibus appropriations bill, which includes a $500,000 earmark for the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.
The earmark is specifically designated for initial start up costs of the Authority, including creation of a governing board, hiring of an interim Chief Executive Officer, and development of a business plan.
The funds will also be used to convene advisory groups and continue to work on financing mechanisms, administrative and organizational structure and guidelines for health safety net delivery systems.
“Creating an organized health care system for both uninsured and underinsured residents of the city of Detroit and Wayne County has never been more important,” Granholm said. “The action of both the U.S. House and Senate ensures that resources are readily available to begin the challenging work that lies ahead for the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.”
Granholm said the Authority would work toward orchestrating a seamless system of care through a more effective and efficient delivery system that will improve the health of the public, decrease the cost of care, and add value to the health delivery system.
Granholm also said a long-term goal of the Authority is to redefine how preventive, primary and specialty care is provided in Wayne County and could be replicated in other Michigan communities and potentially serve as a national model for urban centers.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in December. President George W. Bush is expected to sign the bill by next week.
Granholm thanked Michigan’s entire Congressional delegation for supporting the earmark, especially Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick, Congressman John Conyers, Congressman John Dingell, and Congressman Joe Knollenberg, all of whom were instrumental in securing funding for the Authority.
“The hard work of these members of our Congressional delegation was absolutely vital to keeping this earmark in the appropriations bill,” Granholm said. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all of their efforts.”
In July 2003, Granholm appointed a Detroit Health Care Stabilization Workgroup, made up of Michigan's private sector, public sector, non-profit and medical academic institutions. This group recommended the creation of a Health Authority for the City of Detroit and Wayne County.
In December 2003, the state, Wayne County, and the city of Detroit agreed in principle to the creation of the Authority. Both the Wayne County Board of Commissioners and the Detroit City Council have yet to formally approve the agreement.
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Wyandotte Dentist's License Summarily Suspended Due to Felony Conviction
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the dental license of Keith A. West, D.D.S., due to his felony conviction of Mail Fraud in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan.
On September 29, 2003, West pled guilty to using the United States Postal Service to submit fraudulent bills to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. West was sentenced to imprisonment for one year and one day and was fined $3,000. West was also ordered to provide restitution to Blue Cross Blue Shield in the amount of $360,000.
On January 12, 2004, pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional upon the conviction of a felony, MDCH issued an Order of Summary Suspension. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of West’s license.
More information about disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards is available on the DCH website at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, then select the Health Systems and Licensing link.
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Granholm Administration Request To Expand Health Benefits To Underinsured Approved
A Granholm Administration request to improve health care coverage for underinsured adults was approved today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The new Adults Benefit Waiver (ABW) program will allow the state to expand health insurance benefits to childless adults with family incomes at or below 35 percent of the federal poverty level.
Over the course of the five-year demonstration of the ABW, 62,000 adults who currently have limited access to health insurance will now have expanded coverage.
“Through this innovative new program, we have ensured that more Michigan citizens, especially our most vulnerable, will now have increased health insurance coverage,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “We are extremely pleased that the federal government listened to all of our rationale and granted approval for this worthwhile program that will ultimately benefit the entire state of Michigan.”
The ABW converts the State Medical Program (SMP) to an SCHIP funded program. Previously, the SMP was a state-funded program that served adults aged 21 to 64 that were not eligible for Medicaid.
Adults enrolled in ABW will now receive expanded benefits, including, inpatient and outpatient visits, physician's surgical and medical services, laboratory and X-ray services, pharmacy, and mental health and substance abuse services, Granholm said.
Michigan’s Department of Community Health had initially submitted to the federal government on April 4, 2003. Granholm also pointed out that Michigan’s congressional delegation, on a bi-partisan basis, was instrumental in helping representatives of the Bush Administration understand Michigan’s need for the waiver.
“Without the persistence of Michigan members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, this waiver may not have become reality,” Granholm said. “I truly appreciate the efforts of several key members of Michigan’s congressional delegation. Their hard work over the course of the last several months has improved the lives of thousands of Michigan citizens.”
Michigan is the ninth state to receive a federal waiver to expand access to health care coverage. New Mexico, Oregon, Illinois, Colorado, New Jersey, Maine, Arizona and California had been previously granted waivers.
“The expansion of this program will markedly improve access to health care across the state of Michigan,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “MDCH has worked tirelessly with the federal government to achieve this important milestone in improving health coverage for at-risk individuals.”
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Michigan Downgrades To Regional Flu Status
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has downgraded the state’s influenza activity to "regional" levels, according to Dr. Matthew Boulton, the state’s Chief Medical Executive.
The "regional" level report is retroactive to the week ending January 10, Boulton said. MDCH made the decision after several influenza epidemiology indicators showed significant declines in influenza activity across the state.
The "regional" level status is the second highest national activity rating, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Michigan has had "widespread" flu activity – the CDC’s highest rating - since early December.
"While we continue to be on guard for cases of influenza throughout the state, we are cautiously optimistic that the worst of the state’s flu season is behind us," said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Only two regions in the state – southwest and central Michigan - are still experiencing fairly high levels of influenza activity, although those numbers are beginning to decrease as well, Boulton said.
Despite the decline in Influenza-A cases, Boulton also said that health department epidemiologists are detecting small increases in Influenza-B activity in southeast Michigan, but it is too early to tell if these numbers will climb.
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January Proclaimed Birth Defects Prevention Month
To further highlight the public health impact of birth defects in Michigan, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared January as Michigan Birth Defects Prevention Month.
Each year, approximately 8,000 babies are born with a birth defect in Michigan. Nationally, 150,000 babies born with birth defects each year, making birth defects the leading cause of infant mortality.
“The Michigan Department of Community Health is committed to spreading the message about vital prenatal care, ” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “Arming mothers with knowledge of prevention will do wonders to decrease birth defects and increase the number of happy, healthy babies and families.”
For the prevention of some birth defects, there are easy steps that Michigan women can take to reduce their risk for such defects in their children. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that every day, all women of childbearing age should take a multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid to reduce chances of having a baby with a defect.
“Most women contemplating pregnancy or those already pregnant would do anything to have a healthy baby,” said Nelda Mercer, MS, RD, Folic Acid Coordinator at the Michigan Department of Community Health. “Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day from fortified foods or a vitamin supplement, along with eating a diet that includes a variety of foods that are rich in folate, is a behavior that helps ensure a great start for a developing fetus.”
Another birth defects prevention strategy is appropriate immunization. Of special interest are women born outside the United States who have not been immunized against Rubella (German measles). Exposure to the virus in the first trimester of pregnancy may result in congenital rubella syndrome that can cause serious cardiac, hearing and vision defects.
“Women with chronic diseases such as diabetes, seizure disorders, phenylketonuria (PKU) and lupus must plan ahead for pregnancy – meaning partnering with their doctors and learning how best to manage their own special health needs in order to prepare for a healthy baby right from the start,” says Jane Simmermon, Follow-up Coordinator for the Michigan Birth Defects Registry.
For more information about folic acid and birth defects prevention, log on to the March of Dimes website at http://www.modimes.org or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ . To request a brochure or packet of educational resources, e-mail BDRFollowup@michigan.gov or call 1-866-852-1247.
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Grand Blanc Physician Loses License Due to Felony Conviction
The Michigan Department of Community Health (DCH) has summarily suspended the medical license of Robert D. Helferty, M.D., due to his felony conviction in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan.
On October 21, 2003, Helferty pled guilty to Possession of Child Pornography. Helferty was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison, fined $60,000.00, and ordered to participate in mental health counseling.
On December 18, 2003, DCH issued an order summarily suspending Helferty's medical license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Helferty's medical license.
More information about disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards is available on the DCH website at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, then select the Bureau of Health Systems and Licensing link.
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Grayling Nurse Loses License Due to Conviction
The Michigan Department of Community Health (DCH) has summarily suspended the nursing license of Eileen Mary Ryan, L.P.N., due to her conviction in the 46th Judicial Circuit Court, Crawford County, Michigan.
On August 5, 2003, Ryan pled guilty to Controlled Substance-Use, a misdemeanor. Ryan was sentenced to serve 120 days in jail and upon release, probation for one year. Additionally, Ryan was ordered to pay fines, costs, and fees totaling $1,330.00.
On December 15, 2003, DCH issued an order summarily suspending Ryan’s license, pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional upon the conviction of a misdemeanor involving the illegal delivery, possession, or use of a controlled substance. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Ryan’s licensed practical nurse license.
More information about disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards is available on the DCH website at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, then select the Bureau of Health Systems and Licensing link.
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MDCH Will Conduct a Pilot Exposure Investigation of Dioxin Exposure in Adults Living in the Tittabawassee River Flood Plain
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) will conduct an investigation of dioxin levels in people that are currently living on the flood plain of the Tittabawassee River.
Twenty five adults who have lived on dioxin contaminated property in the flood plain for at least five years will be asked to participate in a Pilot Exposure Investigation.
The purpose of the investigation is to provide information on the levels of dioxins in soil, indoor dust, and blood samples for 25 residents of the Tittabawassee River flood plain. The pilot investigation will also provide information about how to conduct a future exposure investigation that could include several hundred people from the city of Midland, the Tittabawassee River flood plain, and a comparison community.
The MDCH will conduct this Pilot Investigation in cooperation with federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The ATSDR has reviewed and approved plans for the investigation, and will provide technical assistance throughout the project.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is currently conducting residential soil sampling at about 25 properties within the Tittabawassee River flood plain to support the MDCH investigation. Soil sampling is the first step in the investigation and will be used to confirm that dioxin contamination is present at the participants’ properties.
Based on the soil sampling results, MDCH will contact people living in the flood plain on contaminated property and ask them if they are willing and able to participate in the Pilot Exposure Investigation. Participants will be asked to give a blood sample for dioxin analysis. They will also be asked questions about their occupations and whether they eat sport-caught fish or game from the flood plain since these activities could contribute to dioxin body burdens.
Indoor dust samples will be taken from participants’ homes and analyzed for dioxins. The MDCH expects to begin contacting flood plain residents early in 2004 and will begin taking blood samples soon after.
The MDCH expects to provide an investigation report by the end of 2004. The protocol for the Pilot Exposure Investigation is available on the MDCH web page at or by calling the MDCH toll free at 1-800-648-6942.
Questions about the MDCH Pilot Exposure Investigation may be directed to Dr. Linda Dykema, Toxicology and Response Section, at 1-800-648-6942.
Pilot Exposure Investigation Fact Sheet
Titabawassee River Pilot Exposure Investigation Protocol
Protocol Attachment A
Protocol Attachment B
Protocol Attachment C
Protocol Attachment D
Protocol Attachment E
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January Declared Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Today, as an effort to raise awareness of ways to reduce deaths from cervical cancer, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm declared January 2004 as cervical cancer awareness month. Although cervical cancer can be prevented, treated and cured, many Michigan women suffer at the grips of this disease.
“Dedicating a full month to raising awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention methods is a true advancement to reducing deaths due to this disease,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “I personally urge all citizens to talk to women they care about and encourage them to seek regular screening for cervical cancer.”
Regular Pap Smear testing is the key to detection and prevention of cervical cancer. The Pap Smear test finds abnormal changes in cells before they become cancer. Through this source of early detection, this form of cancer is highly treatable. All women should obtain a Pap Smear annually if they have been sexually active for three years or are over the age of 21.
Physicians, family planning clinics, local health departments and Planned Parenthood of Michigan offer Pap Smears and referral services. The Michigan Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up services to eligible women.
For more information on these services, please call toll-free 800-922-6266.
The BCCCP and the Michigan Department of Community Health along with local health care providers and organizations have developed education sessions and activities to raise cervical cancer awareness.
Activities include:
Berrien County Health Department will do a media campaign in January to highlight the importance of screening for cervical cancer. The advertising includes billboards, posters and flyers, with a tagline of “A Woman Killer is Stalking Berrien County. Beat Cancer. Get a Pap Test.”
Suthwest Michigan BCCCP (Kalamazoo area) will be providing mailing labels of their BCCCP Providers and Supporters to the West Michigan Cancer Center to use to send out information on cervical cancer issues.
The Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. will submit articles to tribal newspapers and newsletters. The Council is also holding an outreach worker educational training with the Mayo Clinic in Marquette on January 12 through 14.
The Healthy Asian American Project (HAAP), based at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, will focus on three areas in January. First, project staff will review their goals for 2004, their working plans, and strategize for another successful year of BCCCP promotion. Second, in collaboration with local Asian American organizations, HAAP will promote the BCCCP during the Asian New Year, which is celebrated in January. Third, HAAP will submit a proposal to the National Institutes of Health to secure the funding to sustain its existing projects, in addition to other fund raising efforts.
In Delta and Menominee Counties, the local health department is planning a lobby display, press releases to local papers and arranged for the local radio station to air a Public Service Announcement promoting the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program.
The Sanilac County Health Department will be offering free cervical cancer screening. The health department will pay for them with grant funds.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) in Traverse City and in Bay County are doing radio, TV and newspaper press releases, with an offer of providing interviews. They are also developing a new flyer for Cervical Cancer Awareness. Traverse City American Cancer Society, the Alpena Cancer Center and District Health Departments #2 and #4 have formed The Northeast Michigan Cancer Coalition to provide public education, outreach and cancer screening. The public education and outreach will start in January.
District Health Department #10 and Northwest Community Health Agency are partnering with the American Cancer Society, Traverse City to provide public education and outreach. They will refer women to the BCCCP for screening.
The Bay County ACS, Huron County Health Department and District Health Department #2 will provide public education and outreach, and possibly schedule screening days in May.
The Genesee County Health Department will work on public education by airing Public Service Announcements promoting breast and cervical cancer screening on local media, and submitting an article in the local newspaper.
Pap and Cervical Cancer flyers and pamphlets will also be distributed in BCCCP and Family Planning clinics, to providers and within the community as well as through partner organizations i.e. cancer centers.
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Downes Appointed To National Board
The Michigan Department of Community Health announces that Dr. Frances Pouch Downes has been appointed as a member of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Board of Scientific Counselors.
The Board of Scientific Counselors, comprised of 24 national experts on epidemiology and disease control, is responsible for recommending and evaluating strategic plans to combat infectious diseases in the United States to the CDC. The term, which begins immediately, ends on September 30, 2007.
“We are privileged to have such a consummate public servant and nationally renowned disease expert in charge of our public health laboratory operation in Michigan,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “Dr. Downes brings a wide range of experiences to the table for the CDC, and the knowledge she will gain from her service will ultimately benefit the citizens of Michigan.”
Downes, MDCH’s Director of the Bureau of Laboratories, holds masters and doctorate degrees in laboratory practice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a bachelors degree in medical technology from Indiana University. From 1985 to 1987, she was a pre-doctoral fellow at the CDC.
She has served as administrator for the Bureau of Laboratories since 1999. Prior to her current posting, Downes served as Director of MDCH’s Infectious Disease Division from 1997-1999, and was a managed care coordinator for the laboratory from 1995 to 1997.
Downes also serves on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Advisory Committee for the Microbiological Standards for Foods, and is an adjunct professor in the Medical Technology and International Health Program at Michigan State University.
She also has worked as an advisor to the Jamaica National Public Health Laboratory and as a Management and Technical Consultant to the World Bank.
A veteran of the Peace Corps, Downs has worked on the African continent since 1980 with various infectious disease issues. Most notably, since 2001, she has served as a team leader for the Association of Public Health Laboratories’ Botswana Global AIDS Laboratory Project. The project is designed to create public health laboratory capacity and quality assurance for the testing and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in that country.
An accomplished presenter on public health conferences across the country, Downes also is a published author, having written or co-authored 16 papers on various subjects. A resident of East Lansing, Downes is married to her husband, Dale, and has three children: Joe, 14, and twins John and Emily, 9.
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