Events - Child Abuse Prevention Month

From our Partners at YMCA KidsPriorityOne:
The link below takes you to a calendar of events for April—Child Abuse Prevention Month.
PLEASE HELP OTHERS ACCESS THIS INFORMATION—PASS ON TO YOUR VARIOUS LISTS
http://www.kidspriorityone.org/Child%20Abuse%20Prevention%20Month.html

Celebrating Children 2008

A free family-focused event full of fitness and fun, Saturday April 26 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach. For more information call 385-4537

Health Disparities Report Seeks to Inform Future Intervention Strategies

The Commonwealth Fund released a collection of data and discussions designed to help policy-makers, researchers, practitioners and teachers better understand health disparities and develop interventions, AHA News Now reports.
Targeting a broad audience, the chart book includes chapters on population demographics, health status and mortality, access to care, health insurance coverage and care quality, as well as suggested strategies for closing health care gaps.

Virginia Vaccine Education Initiative Conference

"Improving the Health of Children and Adolescents" which is sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Medical Home Plus and the Virginia Department of Health. The conference is on July 11, 2008 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

"Strong Roots for a Healthy Future" is on July 12, 2008. They are being held at the Marriot at City Center in Newport News.

For more information go to www.medicalhomeplus.org or www.va-info.org

April 2008 CINCH Meetings

April 3 - Covering Kids & Families Workgroup meeting 11:00 to 12:30 am,
EV Williams Hall

April 4 - CINCH quarterly meeting 12:30 to 2:00 pm, Peninisula

April 8 - Injury Prevention Workgroup meeting 12:30 to 2:00 pm,
EV Williams Hall

April 9 - Obesity Prevention Workgroup meeting 12:30 to 2:00 pm,
EV Williams Hall

April 10 -Health Disparitites Workgroup meeting 9:30 to 11:00 am,
EV Williams Hall

April 21 -Allies Against Asthma Workgroup meeting 9:00 to 10:30 am,
EV Williams Hall
Please call 668-6426 prior to meeting to confirm. Thank you.

FAMIS - Update on proposal

I’m pleased to report that the Budget Conferees accepted the Senate’s proposal to increase FAMIS Mom’s eligibility to 200% FPL on July 1, 2009!!
Both the House and Senate adopted the conference report, and this should not be an issue at the reconvened session on April 23rd.
We’ve been trying to reach 200% for several years – so, even with the delayed implementation – our goal is now set to become a reality.
Please take a moment to thank your legislators, budget conferees, and Senate HHR members for this important action.

Thank you for all your help during the session.

Jill

Jill A. Hanken, Staff Attorney, Virginia Poverty Law Center

Motivating Health Habits

Helping Yourself and Your Clients/Patients Change:
A Leadership Guide for Educators, Practitioners, Learning Organizations and Communities
Presented by: Dr. Rick Botelho,Professor of Family Medicine
Monday, April 7, 2008, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Roper Auditorium, Lewis Hall
R.S.V.P. to Sherry Allen: 446-7461 or allensb@evms.edu

Sponsored by:
EVMS Department of Family & Community Medicine

Pediatric Obesity: Effective treatment options for the pediatrician

Department of Pediatrics, EVMS/CHKD present: “Pediatric Obesity: Effective treatment options for the pediatrician, practical advice for the office” with
Gregory Kobak, MD, Barbara (Babs) Benson, RN, and Mary Jo Haney, RD at the Brickhouse Auditorium on April 3 from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. The Objectives: relate the metabolic consequences of untreated pediatric obesity, recognize the barriers to an effective treatment plan and how to address the topic with families, and discuss ways to develop and initiate an appropriate treatment plan for pediatric obesity.

American Lung Association - Asthma Walk

The American Lung Association, can give you 22 million reasons why we need to "Blow the Whistle on Asthma" and why you should help fight the asthma epidemic and make an impact. More than 22 million Americans currently have asthma. The Asthma Walk gives you the chance to get involved and help your loved ones breathe easier. Your participation will raise the funds necessary to provide life saving education, research and advocacy so we can better control asthma and soon find a cure.
These are some of the dates:
May 17 – Lynchburg, Contact info: Melissa Gilmore (434) 384-6875 http://mgilmore@lungva.org
September 27 – Virginia Beach, Contact info: Lisa Newman (757) 368-0281 http://lnewman@lungva.org
October 11 - Richmond, Contact info: Anna Davis (703) 986-7110 http://adavis@lungva.org
For more information go to : http://www.lungusa.org

Tidewater Chapter of the Autism Society of America (TASA)

"Implementing a Systematic Practice Routine for Developing Behavioral Fluency", featuring Rick Kubina, Ph.D., BCBA, Associate Professor at the Pennsylvania State University Department of Education and School Psychology and Special Education. This and other programs in TASA’s Project ACT (Autism Community Training) provide educators, administrators, and child care professionals, parents, and others with training in accordance with international best practices to support children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in living productive, satisfying lives within their families and communities.
April 10, 2008, 8:15am-4:30pm at the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center Old Dominion University, 1881 University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
For more information, including a registration from, contact:Angel Barnhill, Information & Referral Specialist Tidewater Chapter of the Autism Society of America 6300 East Virginia Beach Boulevard Norfolk, VA 23502 757-461-4474 or at http://tidewaterasa@verizon.net

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

“On December 19, 2007, the President signed into law the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (pdf), named after the daughter of Nancy Baker and the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker. Graeme Baker died in a tragic incident in June 2002 after the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water.

The new law is aimed at reducing the 260 pool and spa drownings each year involving children younger than 5 and suction entrapment deaths and injuries, by making pools and spas safer, securing the environment around them, and educating consumers and industry on pool safety. For more information you can also go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/pssa.html

Warning on Life-threatening Adverse Events/Death Concerning Tussionex

FDA is issuing this public health advisory to alert patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to important information on the safe and appropriate use of Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension. Tussionex is a prescription cough medicine containing hydrocodone and the antihistamine, chlorpheniramine that is made to be given every 12 hours (“extended-release”). Hydrocodone, the narcotic ingredient in this medicine that controls cough, can cause life-threatening breathing problems and death when given above or more frequently than the recommended dose. Tussionex should not be used in children less than 6 years old.
For more information - http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Tussionex

American Lung Association Update

Big Tobacco's Guinea Pigs: How an Unregulated Industry Experiments on America's Kids and Consumers - This report details how tobacco companies manipulate their products to recruit new youth users, create and sustain addiction, and discourage users from quitting.

Special Health Care Needs

What is the Prevalence of Children with Special Health Care Needs? Toward an Understanding of Variations in Findings and Methods Across Three National Surveys The variation in the prevalence and characteristics of children with special health care needs are identified.

T. J. Lynch's 1st Annual Golf Tournament

To Benefit The Virginia SIDS Alliance
Location: Ocean View Golf Course, Date: Wed. May 7, Time: 12:00 pm.
For tournament information contact Becky Lynch (757)672-5515 or Jay Lynch (757) 286-2562

Mattel Children's Foundation

The Mattel Children's Foundation will start accepting unsolicited grants applications in March. In the past, funding has supported creative efforts that address a locally defined need directly impacting children in need and that align with Mattel's philanthropic priorities of learning, health and girl empowerment. Organizations must have a mission that focuses on the direct service of children ages zero to 12 years. Charitable organizations that demonstrate that they directly serve children in need may be eligible for grants of $5,000 up to $20,000. Funds may be applied to programs or general operating costs. Deadline: April 7, 2008
Information: http://www.mattel.com/about_us/philanthropy/ci_mcf_philanthropy_grantmaking.asp

Grant Money Available - from NNRHA

Grant money available that must be spent by April 30th from NNRHA. Money can be spent on home repairs such as roofing, heating and plumbing and accessibility – like ramps, bathrooms, lifts.
Eligibility:Newport News resident- Home owner - There are some income restrictions.
To apply have the client call Cassandra Brown at 928-2652.

Celebrating Children and Positive Parenting

Child Abuse Prevention Extravaganza - Saturday April 5, 2008 10:00 AM—3:00 PM, Kaufman Mall– ODU. " Learn Positive Parenting Strategies and What We Can Do to Protect Children from Abuse. "
Music, Crafts, Fun and Games for Children of All Ages - Spectrum Puppets— Moonwalk - Face Painting, Hula Hoops, Dance.

Asthma Education

Do you need an up-to-date presentation on Asthma Education for Teachers, Administrators or other school staff members? We have just what you need! The NAEPP School Education Subcommittee has updated Asthma Basics for Schools and added a full script.
You can find them at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/
Asthma Basics for Schools
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/basics_schools/

Learn More Breathe Better

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s COPD Learn More Breathe Better public education program would like to remind you of the tools and resources it has available.
Here is the general link to all of the info below: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/lmbb-campaign/tools-for-state-outreach.htm

National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs Chartbook

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau is pleased to announce that the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs Chartbook 2005-2006 is now available either online or you can request a hardcopy through the addresses listed at the end of this message. The chartbook provides both national and state-level data on children with special health care needs.

Governor Kaine to Hold More Town Hall Meetings

Governor Kaine will continue holding town hall meetings the week of March 17 - 21, 2008.
Supporters of the smoke free air laws to thank the Governor for his support of smoke free air legislation and encourage legislator to support smoke free air legislation.
Monday, March 17, 2008,Roanoke,Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm,Location: Patrick Henry High School Auditorium, 2102 Grandin Road Southwest,Roanoke, VA
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - Norfolk,Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Location: Virginia Weslyan College Dining Center,1584 Weslyan Drive, Norfolk, VA
Thursday, March 20, 2008 - Front Royal,Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm,Location: Skyline High School Cafeteria,151 Skyline Vista Drive,Front Royal, VA

Disaster Preparedness – Urgent Needs of Pregnant Women and Their At-Risk Infants”

Conference sponsored by the Virginia March of Dimes and Old Dominion University
Date, Time and Location: The conference will be held Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 9am till 3pm with continental breakfast and lunch provided. The conference will be held at VMASC (Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center), 1030 University Blvd, Suffolk, VA.
Please contact one of the conference organizers listed below so that we have an accurate head-count for the conference. We request that you sign-up by Monday, April 21, 2008 so that arrangements can be made for lunch.
Dr Christopher Osgood, Dept. Biological Sciences, ODU: cosgood@odu.edu
Dr Kate Ferguson, Office of Research, ODU:kferguso@odu.edu

Advocate Children's Health Insurance

Please join a national sign-on letter regarding the harmful Medicaid regulations adopted by CMS and the efforts to get Congress to stop them.
If you would like to join the national letter (and it’s always good to have the State well-represented), do the following:
To sign your organization onto the letter to the Hill, please contact Varina Winder at the Alliance for Children and Families at mailto:vwinder@alliance1.org?subject=State%2FLocal%20Medicaid%20Regs%20Sign-on. Please send your name, organization (as it should be listed), address including state, phone number, and email address. The deadline for signing is close of business on Friday, March 14.

Self-Directed Modules for Dental Professionals

FYI—Information about education for dental professionals who would like to treat children with special needs.These modules are designed for the dental professional who would like to treat patients with special needs or gain more knowledge in this field. This series can be used exclusively as a self-directed course of study, or may be completed in preparation for on-site clinical training through DECOD at the University of Washington. Continuing Dental Education credit can be obtained by ordering modules as a correspondence course and by completing a multiple choice examination.
http://www.dental.washington.edu/departments/omed/decod/self_direct.php

Call for Abstracts: Assoc of Asthma Educators Annual Conference

San Francisco Bay area July 18 – 21. An abstract may report on 1) an asthma education program or asthma program evaluation, 2) device and technique evaluation, or 3) a drug clinical trial. http://www.asthmaeducators.org/Conference/index.htm

Health Fair

Mallory Elementary School in Hampton is having a fun, fitness and health fair on May 3,2008 from 10-2. If any of our members wish to participate in the health fair, please contact Debbie Benware at (757)825-4756 or dbbenware@sbo.hampton.k12.va.us.

Upcoming Conference

Navigating the Care of the Medically Fragile Child:
Pediatricians, Physiatrists, Gastroenterologists, Physical andOccupational Therapists, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners,Intermediate, Long-Term Care Facilitators and Nursing HomeAdministrators concerned with residential care of medicallyfragile children.
April 10-11, 2008, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, 9.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
http://cmetracker.net/EVMS/14298.pdf

CDC Study on the "Choking Game"

The CDC has recently published the results of a new study on the Choking Game. The study finds that between 1995 and 2007, at least 82 children and adolescents have died as a result of playing the "choking game" - a form of strangling oneself using one's hands or a noose, or being strangled by another person to obtain a brief euphoric state or "high". Among these deaths, 86.6% were male, and the mean age was 13.2 years. The complete study is available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

A Free Screening Event in Chesapeake

The Healthy Chesapeake Coalition presents "A Free screening event in Chesapeake".
Who: Uninsured adults in Chesapeake
What: Free screening services including blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, BMI and glaucoma
When: Saturday, March 15 9:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m
Where: The Chesapeake Care Free Clinic, 2145 S. Military Hwy, Chesapeake VA 23320

For an appointment, please call 545-5700 ext. 10 or email clewis@chesapeakecare.org.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE !

Parents of children with special needs support group

Would you like the opportunity to network with with parents just like you? Raising a child with special health care needs can be challenging. Learn how to be your child's best advocate when managing his/her medical care, education or other services.
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - "Care Connection and Community Resource Overview",
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - "Bahavioral Strategies for children with Disabilities"
presented by: Mimi Sedjat, LCSW
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Eastern Shore Center for Independent Living, 4364 Lankford Hwy, Suite A, Exmore, VA 23350
To Register or for more information, contact JoAnna Bryant at (757) 461-4474

Seminar Series Announcement

The Graduate Program in Public Health of Eastern Virginia Medical School
and Old Dominion University presents:
Patrick H. Ryan Ph.D
Associate Professor

University of Cincinnati Medical Center

Department of Environmental HealthDivision of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Speaking on:" Diesel Exhaust Particles and Allergic and Respiratory Disease in Children:

The Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study"

12:00pm- 1:00pm Monday, March 10th, 2008
Roper Lecture Hall, Lewis Hall, EVMS
Norfolk, Virginia

Case Documentation/Court Appearance

This course emphasizes documentation techniques through observation and discusses effective case worker and client preparation for court appearance. It will be held at the Norfolk Workforce Development Center, 201 E. Little Creek Road in Norfolk on Mar. 11, 2008 9-4PM. This is available for all educators and is being offered by Square One. For more information contact http://www.sqone.org/ .