Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Influenza Update

The ACIP update on the 2007-2008 influenza was reported that the season was more severe that had been observed than the 2003-2004 season. The report disclosed that was a relatively poor match between the vaccine and the circulating flu virus strains. However the vaccine was still 44% effective. There will be an expansion of children recommended for the influenza vaccination for the 2008-2009 season. Children 6 months of age to 5 years of age are already being recommended for vaccination. The six influenza manufacturers project about 150 million doses of vaccine will be available for the upcoming season.

Predictors of Future Asthma Identified in Preschool Children With Wheeze

Baseline parent-reported, exercise-induced wheeze and a history of atopic disorders were predictive factors for future asthma in preschool children presenting with wheeze.
https://profreg.medscape.com/px/login.do?cid=med (this is a free membership)

Welcome Healthy Baby Ella


Please join us in celebrating the birth of Ella Alexandra Marotta, new daughter to Hillary Marotta, former CINCH Assistant Director and her husband Fred. Ella was born on July 20th and was 7 lbs, 6 oz 19 inches long. Both mommy and baby are home and are doing well. Congratulations may be emailed to: habillmyer@hotmail.com. Please contact CINCH for a mailing address.

Virginia Injury Prevention Symposium - Awards

The Virginia Department of Health, Division of injury and Violence Prevention selected the following organizations to receive a 2008 recognition for an "Innovative Projects Award" at the recent event on July 23 in Richmond.These organizations implemented local injury prevention projects or programs that sought to reduce the rate of unintentional injuries in their respective communities.
*CINCH - Eastern Va Medical School for "Poison Prevention Pals"- Kelli Wills
*Norfolk Department of Public Health - "WeCycle Program"- Laverne Williams (cinch member)
*ODU school of nursing in collaboration with CINCH for "Bicycle Safety"- Phyllis Eaton

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Immunization Scheduler Makes it Simple for Parents and Providers to Catch-up on Kids’ Immunizations

To assist parents and providers in the task of deciding the best strategy for getting a child back on track after not getting some or all vaccines at the recommended ages, CDC has released a cutting-edge web-based Catch-up immunization Scheduler. The Catch-up Immunization Scheduler is now available for download from the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/scheduler/catchup.htm.

Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases 2008

This four-part self-study series provides the most current information available in the constantly changing field of immunization. Together, the four sessions offer a comprehensive overview on immunization today. Session ONE discusses principles and general recommendations on vaccination. Sessions TWO, THREE and FOUR discuss specific vaccine-preventable diseases and their respective vaccines. Each of the four sessions is three hours in duration. Continuing Education credits will be provided. This Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases self-study program is offered free of charge in DVD and web-on-demand formats.

Investing in Disease Prevention Could Save Over $16 Billion in Five Years

RWJF-Supported Study by Trust for America's Health Suggests a Return on Investment of More than 5 to 1 In its report, Prevention for a Healthier America: Investments in Disease Prevention Yield Significant Savings, Stronger Communities, TFAH finds that an investment of $10 per person per year in proven community-based programs to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and prevent smoking and other tobacco use could save the country more than $16 billion annually within five years. This is a return of $5.60 for every $1 invested.

Reducing teen mortality rates

New Data Illuminate Risky Behaviors Leading to Youth Mortality
Seventy-two percent of deaths among 10- to 24-year-olds in the United States are a result of one of four causes -- and many high school students engage in behaviors that increase their risks. To read more go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5704a1.htm

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Action for Healthy Kids

Mark Your Calendars! July Phone Symposium Parks and Playgrounds: Latest Trends and Research Thursday, July 24, 2008 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT/12pm registration is required 75-minute session
Join Action for Healthy Kids for a summer-themed discussion on the latest trends and research to attract families to local school and community parks and playgrounds, and to keep them active throughout summer. From fitness zones, nature trails and blacktop games, to overcoming barriers to attending park activities, this session will identify resources to providing opportunities for physical activity.Register for this 75-minute phone symposium by sending an e-mail to StateTeams@ActionForHealthyKids.org by Monday, July 21, 2008.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

CINCH analysis

This summer and early fall, CINCH is undergoing an evaluation of its infrastructure and its marketing and development activities. CINCH has contracted with Kay Carey of Horizons Consulting Services to conduct an independent and objective review, working closely with CINCH’s Steering Committee, staff, and key stakeholders. The deliverable of this process will be a formal written document that will outline the information gathered during the evaluation process. Recommendations regarding opportunities for change in organizational structure and accompanying marketing and development strategies will be presented.

The Organizational Analysis will include individual and group Key Informant Interviews from a variety of stakeholders. CINCH and Kay welcome your confidential feedback! Please look for more information coming soon on how you can participate in this important analysis that will assist CINCH in developing an effective, efficient framework for the future.

Job opportunity - Administrative Assistant

Places and Programs for children, Inc. has a job opening for an Administrative Assistant-Training and Development. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for handling telephone calls, as well as general office procedures for the Community Training and Development office, USDA office and VAECE (Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education). The Administrative Assistant reports to the Community Training Director (CTD).

QUALIFICATIONS
Three to five years of experience in an office setting. Background in Early Childhood setting preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office to include Access and Excel.

Interested candidates can apply online at childrensharbor.cc or call Bonita McGinnis for more information.

Pandemic Flu seminars

Before you know it, Flu Season will be back on us and we at the Norfolk Department of Public Health wanted to give you the opportunity to get a head start on preparing your clients/patients/affiliates with important prevention information. We are currently scheduling Pandemic Flu seminars for locations within the City of Norfolk. Typically, a 45-minute presentation, the seminar can be tailored to fit your needs, allowing for an important question and answer segment. It will include the presentation of a compelling and very insightful video (free to the host facility) and the distribution of FREE Pandemic Flu information to each person/family in attendance.
If you would like to schedule a Norfolk Department of Public Health Pandemic Flu presentation, contact Terrance.Aferanderson@vdh.virginia.gov , You may also call me at (757) 683-8836.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Model Programs Guide (MPG)

The MPG is an easy-to-use informational resource tool that offers a database of scientifically proven programs to address a variety of youth problems, including the following: delinquency; violence; youth gang involvement; alcohol, tobacco, and drug use; academic difficulties; family functioning; trauma exposure; sexual activity/exploitation; and mental health issues.
Sponsor Agency: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Online at: http://www.dsgonline.com/mpg2.5/mpg_index.htm

What Works Clearinghouse

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) collects, screens, and identifies studies of the effectiveness of educational interventions (programs, products, practices, and policies). It provides educators, policymakers, researchers, and the public with a central and trusted source of scientific evidence on what works in education.
Sponsor Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences
Online at: http://www.whatworks.ed.gov

7 Super things that parents and caregivers can do

Go to the link below to read 7 great tips for early childhood nurturing:
http://www.helpingamericasyouth.gov/exhibithall/Parents%20and%20Caregivers%20Bookmark.pdf