Category: Public Health
Should you get your kids tested for lead?
During the first two years of a child’s life, lead exposure can affect the brain and result in learning, attention and social/emotional problems.
How washing your hands protects against the flu
To protect yourself, get vaccinated to minimize your risk of getting the flu. To reduce the chance you might catch or spread the flu, wash your hands.
Utah’s Tough New DUI Law Brings Controversy
Utah will become the first state to make it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of .05 or higher, rather than the .08 standard that every other state.
Dementia And Guns: When Should Doctors Broach The Topic?
Why don’t doctors talk to patients about guns? Lack of time, being unsure what to say and believing patients won’t heed their advice.
New report details King County health trends
Insurance coverage up, smoking down, but little change in physical activity and obesity levels are among the findings.
Salmonella outbreak linked to Issaquah Costco deli
Public Health is investigating an outbreak of salmonellosis associated with food prepared in the service deli at the Costco in Issaquah
HOW TO STAY INDEPENDENT, PREVENT FALLS
Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury. Seattle & King County’s fall prevention team works with seniors to make sure their homes are safe.
The Homeless Get Sick; ‘Street Medicine’ Is There for Them
“Street medicine” to serve the homeless has surged within the past decade, growing into a network of programs in over 85 cities and in 15 countries
Discreetly Tracking Down Sex Partners To Stop A Surge In STDs
Oregon’s Clackamas County, health officials are asking patients with an STD who their sexual partners are — and then are tracking those partners down.
Obesity rates at or above 35% in 5 states, CDC
Adult obesity prevalence is at or above 35% in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.
Flu plane: are we really ready for a global pandemic?
The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic killed 50-100m people. A major influenza pandemic on this scale will happen again, and we’re unprepared.
Seattle/King County Free Clinic to be held September 20-23.
The free clinic serves people in need who struggle to access and/or afford healthcare/ All are welcome! Patients DO NOT need ID or proof of immigration status.
Increase in new HIV cases in King County among heterosexuals who inject drugs
Public health has identified a cluster of 8 people with HIV infection in north Seattle. All were living homeless and injected or used illicit drugs.
Air quality now good in King County
National Weather Service predicts that the Puget Sound region will see some improvement in air quality today, especially along the coast.
Air to remain unhealthy; stay indoors – health officials
Until we get better air quality, stay indoors with windows closed if you can find somewhere cool, health officials say.