New Medical Assistance for Families Initiative
Starting July 1, 2008, the New Medical Assistance for Families Initiative, will provide comprehensive health care to many more parents and other family members caring for children.
Click here to see more information.

New Child Passenger Safety Law
Protects More of Maryland's Children

CUMBERLAND, MD (June 5, 2008) –Starting June 30, a new law will require Maryland’s children up to age eight to use a child safety seat or booster seat when riding in a motor vehicle, unless the child is 4’9” tall or taller or weighs more than 65 pounds. The current law requires children to use safety seats until they reach six years of age and weigh 40 pounds.

“This new law will help protect older children who are not ready for adult seat belts,” said Janie Hutcherson, Allegany County Health Department. “Even after reaching the current requirement of age six and a weight of 40 pounds, most children are not tall enough for adult seat belts to fit properly.”

Proper fit for a seat belt means the lap-shoulder belt fits low on the child’s hips and across the mid-chest. If the belt fits across the child’s neck or stomach, the child could be injured in the event of a crash.
The new law means some children who have been secured with adult seat belts under the current law will have to return to a safety seat or booster seat. The appropriate seat for most six to eight year olds is a booster seat—which is designed to raise the child up so that adult seat belts will fit properly. Booster seats do not have harness straps and are used with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. All children 12 years of age and under should be seated in the back seat when possible.

“We’ve seen too many children seriously injured in crashes because they were not adequately protected with the proper safety seat, and the updated law will protect more children than ever before,” said Lt. Todd May, Commander, Barrack C, Cumberland. “We know that using the right seat for the child’s age and size can greatly reduce the risk of injuries when travelling on Maryland’s busy highways.”

Fortunately, boosters are generally the least expensive type of safety seat, with some starting as low as $13. Local families who receive WIC benefits can obtain a low-cost safety seat, by calling 301 759-5123 to make an appointment with the Kids In Safety Seats Program at the health department.
For more information about Maryland’s child passenger safety laws and loaner programs, call Maryland Kids in Safety Seats at 1-800-370-SEAT, or visit their Web site at: mdkiss.org

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Oral Cancer Is Highly Preventable
Awareness Week runs from June 22-28

BALTIMORE, MD (June 20, 2008) – Cancer of the mouth, or oral cancer, will kill more Marylanders this year than either melanoma or cervical cancer, according to recent data from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH).  Only 50 percent of those diagnosed with the disease will survive five years.

June 22-28 is Oral Cancer Awareness Week, a national recognition week aimed at educating the public about the risk factors, signs and symptoms of the disease.

“Mouth cancer is highly preventable,” said DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers. “This program to prevent mouth cancer is another front in the State’s extensive campaign to prevent oral disease in children and adults.  We are beginning to see progress in preventing tooth decay in children as a result of the recommendations of our Dental Action Committee, and I am confident that we also will see the day in Maryland when adults will be at less risk from dying from mouth cancers." 

Ninety percent of those diagnosed with mouth cancer use tobacco products, according to Maryland cancer data. Tobacco use, alcohol use, and sun exposure are all risk factors for mouth cancer.

“Lifestyle changes that reduce these risk factors offer the best protection from this deadly disease.” said Dr. Harry Goodman, director for the DHMH Office of Oral Health. “Preventing the use of tobacco products and helping those who currently use them to quit can greatly reduce the number of cases of mouth cancer.”

Tobacco users who need help with quitting can get counseling and medication by calling The Maryland Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT NOW. The program provides phone based counseling and up to a four-week supply of nicotine patches or gum to tobacco users who are age 18 and over and meet basic health requirements. The free program is available to all callers regardless of income or how long they have smoked. The nicotine patches and gum are available only while supplies last and are provided on a first come, first served basis.

Another risk factor for developing mouth cancer is the heavy use of alcohol. When heavy consumption is paired with tobacco use, the risk is even greater.  In addition, prolonged sun exposure, without the use of SPF 15 lip balm or higher, can increase the risk of lip cancer.  People who work outdoors are thirty percent more likely to develop lip cancer than those who work indoors. 

While mouth cancer is twice as common in men as in women, African American men suffer from this disease more than any other group.  Only one in three African American men diagnosed with mouth cancer will survive for five years or more.
       
Early detection of mouth cancer is crucial for increasing the odds of survival after diagnosis.  Your dentist, dental hygienist, or physician should provide an exam for mouth cancer on an annual basis.  If you are not sure if you have had an exam for mouth cancer, be sure to ask your health care provider at your next visit.  Remember, early detection can save smiles and lives.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms for more than two weeks see your dentist or physician immediately. 

• A white or red patch in the mouth
• A sore, irritation, lump or thickening of the mouth
• Hoarseness or feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
• Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth
• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable

For more information about mouth cancer prevention and programs in your area call your local health department or visit www.maryland-oralcancer.org.

Heat Related Illness

DHMH cautions Maryland citizens that heatstroke and heat exhaustion can develop from the hot and humid conditions typically associated with Maryland summers.

"Everyone should be careful in hot weather, especially elderly people, young children, and those who are overweight," said DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers. "While chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses increase an individual's risk, there are things that people can do to protect themselves."

Heatstroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions,disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid: a person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. Treatment of heatstroke involves the rapid lowering of body temperature, using a cool bath or wet towels. A heatstroke victim should be kept in a cool area; emergency medical care should be obtained by dialing 911.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor.

Hot Weather Tips:

• Drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration -- be aware that alcohol can impair the body's sweat mechanism, as can fairly common medications such as antihistamines and diuretics;
• Wear lose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes;
• Avoid direct sunlight by staying in the shade or by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses;
• When possible, stay in air-conditioned areas. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library. Contact your local health department to see if there are any heat shelters in your area;
• NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked;
• Check on elderly relatives or neighbors at least daily; and
• Take it easy when outdoors. Athletes and those who work outdoors should, if possible, take short breaks when feeling fatigued. Schedule physical activity during the morning or evening when it is cooler.

Tornado Safety

We know in Allegany County that tornadoes can occur close to home. We also need to know what we can do to be safe during a tornado.

Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your family. During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects. After a tornado, the wreckage left behind poses additional injury risks. Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take for your health and safety.

Click on the following links to find good information on tornado safety from the Centers for Disease Control:

Preparing for a Tornado 

What to do During a Tornado

Safety After a Tornado

Stay Safe in the Water This Summer
Marylanders are reminded that caution is best when swimming, boating

With the temperatures rising and students and their families starting summer vacations, the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and Natural Resources (DNR) remind Marylanders that being attentive is key to safe water recreation activities.

“Drowning and near-drowning occurrences happen every summer season in Maryland,” said DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers.  “Common sense action actions prevent tragedies.”

Many drowning incidents involve children and occur due to a brief lapse in supervision.  Studies have found that more than half of parents surveyed were overconfident in their children’s ability in and around water.  It is important to remember that children can drown silently and quickly.  In fact, a child can lose consciousness in two minutes after submersion, with irreversible brain damage occurring within four to six minutes.

“It only takes a few moments to prepare your family and your vessel for a safe day on the water,” said Natural Resources Police Superintendent Col. George F. Johnson. “Parents who wear life jackets are not only setting an important example for their kids, they are laying the foundation for a lifetime of safe boating.”

DHMH and DNR, in collaboration with the Partnership for a Safer Maryland and the Maryland Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council, developed the following list of safety rules to help to make this season injury free.

Read more for Swimming Tips, Boating Tips, Water Safety Tips and additional resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About MRSA

What is Staphylococcus aureus or Staph?
Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look like pimples or
boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus
or other drainage. Some Staph (known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus or MRSA) are resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat.
The information on this page applies to both Staph and MRSA.

Who gets Staph infections?
Anyone can get a Staph infection. People are more likely to get a Staph infection
if they have:

• Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection
• Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them
• Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
• Crowded living conditions
• Poor hygiene

How serious are Staph infections?
Most Staph skin infections are minor and may be easily treated. Staph also may
cause more serious infections, such as infections of the bloodstream, surgical sites,
or pneumonia. Sometimes, a Staph infection that starts as a skin infection may
worsen. It is important to contact your doctor if your infection does not get better.

How are Staph infections treated?
Treatment for a Staph skin infection may include taking an antibiotic or having
a doctor drain the infection. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of
the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to
stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save them to use later.

How do I keep Staph infections from spreading?

• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Keep your cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages
• Do not touch other people's cuts or bandages
• Do not share personal items like towels or razors

If you have any questions about your condition, please ask your doctor.
For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CDC Community Associated MRSA for the public
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html
 
CDC MRSA Educational Materials
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_posters.html

MRSA Fact sheet
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/ar/MRSAPatientInfoSheet.pdf

Construction/Parking

The Allegany County Health Department would like to remind everyone that because of construction, the traffic and parking patterns for the health department have been changed.

The front traffic entrance to the health department has been closed.  Due to this closure, health department clients seeking services in the main building must park in the parking lot closest to Allegany College.  Clients will only be able to access the front building entrance from this parking lot.

Clients seeking services at the Brook Building should continue to park in the lot in front of the Brook Building.  If you have any questions, please call the Allegany County Health Department at (301) 759-5000.     

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Website

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES