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Safe Kids USA Demonstrates Escalating Temperatures inside Vehicle To Warn Parents about the Dangers of Heat Stroke
Shares seven tips to prevent future tragedies
Lake Buena Vista, Fla., May 18, 2010 – In an effort to continue educating parents and caregivers about the dangers of heat stroke to children left unattended in vehicles, Safe Kids USA hosted an event yesterday at Test Track at Walt Disney World Resort’s Epcot ® theme park near Orlando, Fla. Through the NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE campaign, Safe Kids USA, along with many other partners such as the AAA, is working to increase awareness and reduce heat stroke deaths to children left unattended in vehicles.
During the event, Safe Kids USA demonstrated to Epcot guests at Test Track just how fast the temperature inside a vehicle can increase, putting any child occupant almost immediately at risk. Unfortunately, there have already been three confirmed heat stroke fatalities this year. The first occurred in early March in Florida on a day that reached only 73 degrees, the second occurred in late April in Georgia on a day that reached 86 degrees and the third occurred just six days later in Texas on a day that reached 80 degrees. Between 1998 and 2010, 450 children died from heat stroke because they were unattended in vehicles that became too hot for them to survive. As summer approaches and temperatures soar, Safe Kids USA reminds parents and caregivers to always check for sleeping children before leaving a vehicle.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE is part of Safe Kids Buckle Up (SKBU), the multifaceted child passenger safety program conducted by Safe Kids and sponsored by the General Motors Foundation. SKBU is dedicated to educating parents and caregivers about the importance of properly restraining children and protecting them in and around vehicles at all times.
“A child’s core body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, making them more susceptible to heat stroke – even on a day with mild temperatures” said Lorrie Walker, training manager and technical advisor for Safe Kids USA. “Our display here at Test Track demonstrated just how fast the temperature inside a car can increase, putting any child occupant immediately at risk. Our goal for this event was to raise awareness of just how dangerous it is to leave a child unattended in a vehicle, as well as to remind parents and caregivers of important safety precautions they can take to avoid this preventable tragedy.”
Safe Kids USA urges all adults to take the following steps:
· Call 911 if they see a child unattended in a vehicle.
· Never leave children alone in a vehicle - even for a minute.
· Set your cell phone or Blackberry reminder to be sure you drop your child off at daycare.
· Place a cell phone, PDA, purse, briefcase, gym bag or whatever is to be carried from the car on the floor in front of the child in a back seat. This forces the adult to open the back door and observe the child before leaving.
· Set your computer “Outlook” program to ask you, “Did you drop off at daycare today?”
· Have a plan with your child care provider to call if your child does not arrive when expected.
· Check cars and trunks first if a child goes missing.
More than 50 percent of the children who died from heat stroke were forgotten by a caring adult who became distracted when they left the vehicle. Thirty percent of kids who died from hyperthermia were left unattended by an adult or gained entry into an unlocked vehicle and became trapped and overcome by heat. “It takes only minutes for a child to be at risk of death and serious, permanent injury in a hot car” added Walker. “Drivers must keep car doors locked and keys out of reach from young children at all times.”
For more information on preventing hyperthermia deaths, please visit www.safekids.org/nlyca and www.ggweather.com/heat. Be sure to NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE in a vehicle.
About Safe Kids USA
Safe Kids USA is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations with the mission of preventing unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14. More than 600 coalitions in the United States and nineteen member countries worldwide bring together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families.
In partnership with General Motors since 1997, Safe Kids Buckle Up, the child passenger safety program of Safe Kids USA, has inspected 1.2 million car seats; held approximately 60,500 car seat checkup events around the country; donated more than 426,000 car seats to families in need and educated more than 20 million parents and caregivers.
North Carolina Health Officials encourage residents to ‘fight the bite!’
Raleigh – May is Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month, and state health officials are reminding people to be careful because warmer, wetter weather brings out more of the disease-carrying pests. All North Carolinians are urged to take simple steps to prevent insects from biting them and to reduce insect breeding conditions around the home. “Spring rains and warmer weather provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and ticks,” said State Health Director Jeff Engel. “Ticks and mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance – they can also make people seriously ill. Now is the time to fight the bite!”
Nolan Newton, chief of the Public Health Pest Management Section of the Division of Environmental Health, said that people can take steps to prevent illness. “You can make your backyard a lot less tick-friendly,” Newton said. “Keep grass short and remove plants that attract wild animals like deer and rodents, which carry ticks.” Newton said discarding containers that hold water will remove mosquito breeding grounds. “Take a good look at your environment now, before the mosquitoes really start biting,” he added. “Things like bird baths, old tires, planters and even small containers like tin cans can give mosquitoes a place to thrive.” Newton added that people should remember to make sure they tightly secure screens on all openings on rain barrels used for water conservation. Placing a window screen on a rain barrel will remove a breeding area for mosquitoes but still allow people to conserve water.
Engel and Newton said insect repellent also can be useful, particularly against mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several repellents against mosquitoes – DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. According to the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3. Repellents containing permethrin provide excellent protection against ticks but may only be used on clothing. Consumers should look for products that contain the CDC-recommended ingredients, and follow instructions.
Also, exposure to mosquitoes and ticks can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. People should also check themselves and their families for ticks when they are in tick-prone areas.
Proper and prompt removal of ticks is the key to preventing infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks, getting as far forward near the head as possible and pulling steadily. Note the day you removed the tick on a calendar. If you become ill in the next two weeks or develop a skin rash within a month of the tick bite, tell your physician the date you removed the tick.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most common tick-borne illness in North Carolina. According to the N.C. Division of Public Health, more than 260 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever were reported in North Carolina in 2009. The state also has other tick-borne illnesses. Last year, North Carolina reported more than 100 cases of Lyme disease and more than 60 cases of ehrlichiosis. Tick-borne diseases occur statewide.
La Crosse virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness. La Crosse virus is found mostly in western North Carolina. Two other mosquito-borne diseases, Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus, are also found in North Carolina. While Eastern equine encephalitis is found largely in the eastern part of the state, West Nile virus is found statewide.
For additional information on mosquitoes and ticks, visit the following websites: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm, www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbovirus and www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/tick.
As of January 2, 2010, restaurants and bars in North Carolina and many lodging establishments were required to be smoke-free, thanks to S.L 2009-27 (G. S. 130A-496), otherwise known as North Carolina’s Smoke-Free Restaurants and Bars Law (see Exceptions).
We encourage you to visit www.smokefree.nc.gov for more information about the smoking ban, frequently asked questions, tools for businesses to respond to the law, and information for citizens. You can also visit that website for information on how to report a violation of the law.
H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics
Greene County Health Department
Every Friday in May (2010)
May 7, 14, 21 & 28
8:30 - 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome during this time.
This H1N1 clinic is open to the general public for ages 6 months and up. Reminder: Children 9 years and younger need 2 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, approximately 21 to 30 days apart. This vaccine is being offered free of charge.
H1N1 Flu (formly Swine Flu)
H1N1 influenza is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person to person worldwide, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.
H1N1 flu is widespread in North Carolina and the United States. Testing for the virus is not generally performed unless a person is hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit with a flu-like illness. People who have flu-like symptoms that cannot be attributed to another diagnosis are assumed to have H1N1 flu because currently it is the most common strain of flu. It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine the best course of action.
H1N1 Flu: What do I need to know and do? - Printable flyer available in English and Spanish
Symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Fever reducing medicine may be taken, but fever should be gone for 24 hours after taking the last dose of medicine before going back to school or work.
Seek emergency medical care if you or a family member has any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and worse cough
- In babies, bluish or gray skin color, lack of responsiveness or extreme irritation
Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Guidance for Pregnant Women
Business and Employer Guidance
Guidance for Child Care Programs and Schools
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website - click hereNC Flu Preparedness - click here
New WIC Foods Promote Healthy Habits
Starting on October 1, 2009, North Carolina will make major changes to WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. There will be more choices to support healthy habits such as breastfeeding, and eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains while lowering the fat. And, there will be more variety.
Whole-grain breads and cereals, tortillas, brown rice, fruits, vegetables and tofu are just some of the new items that will be available to low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children until the age of five. These changes will encourage more breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed will receive more healthy foods than mothers who do not.
As concerns about growing rates of overweight, obesity and diabetes continue, health experts say an overhaul was needed.
"Originally, the WIC foods were meant to eliminate vitamin deficiencies. Today, it's more a problem of eating too much and not getting enough physical activity that we have to deal with," explains Deborah Williams, director of the WIC Program for Greene County Health Department. "The new foods follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans," added Deborah Williams.
In general, the foods available to the 997 WIC participants in Greene County will be higher in fiber and lower in fat. For the first time, selections like tofu, brown rice, tortillas and a wider variety of beans will meet more cultural preferences.
At the WIC office in Greene County, families receive food instruments and cash-value vouchers along with recipes and tips on how to buy and use the healthier foods.
"The WIC Program is especially helpful to families in this economy," said Deborah Williams. "Parents want to give their children healthier choices like more fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Now they can." The North Carolina WIC Program supports healthy habits for healthy families.
For more information, contact Greene County Health Department - WIC at 255-747-3244 between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday thru Friday or go to www.nutritionnc.com and click on WIC. Also, you may join us in an open house on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. We will be showcasing our new location within the Health Department and will be sampling some of the new foods that will be available on October 1st. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
WIC…Healthy Habits, Healthy Families
- Breastfeed your baby
- Eat more fiber
- Lower the fat
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Eat more whole grains
- Drink less juice and sweetened beverages
- Make family meals matter
Public Health...Everywhere, Everyday, Everybody
Administration: Responsible for the administrative, operational, and fiscal management of the Health Department, which includes preparing annual budgets and contract addenda, and complying with financial policies both at the local level and state level.
Animal Control:
Rabies control, animal adoption, pick-up of stray cats and dogs, neglect and cruelty investigations, and quarantines for dog bites
Be Smart Program:
Family Planning Waiver Medicaid now available and being accepted for women aged 19-55 and men aged 19-60 that are legal residents, at 185% of the federal poverty level, and that have not had surgery to prevent pregnancy. This program provides coverage for exams, contraception, pregnancy, STD screening, and voluntary sterilizations.
Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP):
Provides free breast and cervical cancer screening, mammograms, and follow-up services for income eligible women aged 50 and above, and also to symptomatic women below the age of 50
Child Health: Well-child assessments, sick care visits, kindergarten assessments, day care physicals and sports physicals provided by the Pediatrician from ECU Pediatrics
Child Service Coordination: Provides developmental screening, refers parents to other needed services, focuses on the family and their needs, assures that children receive routine medical care and immunizations, and identifies infant and children at risk for chronic illnesses or developmental delays
Communicable Disease:
The Health Department is involved in controlling the spread of communicable diseases. We respond to reported outbreaks by surveillance and investigation of communicable diseases in our area.
Dental Hygiene: Dental assessment of kindergarten and fifth grade students including referrals, dental health education and instruction in elementary schools, and promote dental health, fluoridation, dental sealants, and access to dental care
Environmental Health: Food and lodging inspections, soil evaluations, water samples, lead investigations, day care inspections, and public swimming pool inspections
Health Education: Provides education about self-breast exams, pregnancy prevention, prenatal care, breastfeeding, and car seat safety; community education is also provided on various topics to groups within the community
Health Promotion: Focuses on developing and implementing community and school-based health promotion programs concentrating on policy and environmental level changes that promote and support physical activity, healthy food choices, and tobacco use prevention and control
Healthy Greene - a certified Healthy Carolinians Partnership: Healthy Greene is a community partnership dedicated to promoting wellness and improving the quality of life for all Greene County residents. Healthy Greene currently addresses three priority areas: Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injuries.
Healthy Start Baby Love Plus: Helps women and their families increase the chances of having healthy and happy babies; provides information about low or no cost prenatal services and transportation to a clinic or doctor's office for prenatal appointments
Immunizations: Immunizations provided for children and adults - examples of immunizations include: Tetanus, Flu and Pneumonia, and Hepatitis B. The Health Department utilizes the NC Immunization Registry. The registry enables public and private health care providers to consolidate and maintain computerized immunization records on all children and adults within a given geographic area.
Maternal Health: Prenatal and nutritional education, WIC, planning for delivery, postpartum follow-up and care, referral for family planning services, newborn care, immunizations, and prenatal care to include 24-hour medical coverage per telephone services with ECU Family Practice
Maternity Care Coordination: Assists pregnant women - with Medicaid - in defining and addressing a variety of needs throughout their pregnancy; develops a care coordination plan that outlines how the client can best meet her needs and those of her family
Preparedness and Response:
To detect early and respond rapidly to all diseases and public health hazards/emergencies, whether natural or man-made.
STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases):
STD screening to include HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis
Tobacco Education:
Seeks to prevent youth initiation of tobacco use, eliminate youth exposure to secondhand smoke, and promote cessation among youth. Coordinates peer educators (Teens Against Tobacco Use, T.A.T.U.), advocates for a 100% Tobacco-Free School policy, supports local and national tobacco-free events, teaches tobacco prevention curricula to schools, and provides cessation information and assistance.
TB Control Program: Routine Tuberculosis (TB) screening and high-risk screening for identification and treatment of individuals found to have suspected TB disease in order to prevent further spread of the disease. The goal of the TB Control Program is to eliminate TB disease.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)/Nutrition: Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, referrals to other health and community resources, and vouchers for healthy foods to income eligible pregnant/postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
Women's Health: Provides breast exams, pap smears, screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy, STDs and HIV, and individual counseling sessions with a RN and FNP regarding available contraceptive methods, including emergency contraception, or other pertinent reproductive issues
"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint, of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."
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