Public Health News Briefs Jan-Feb '08

Community presentations on radon are being offered several times in Durango as well as in Pagosa and Bayfield. The presentation titled, What is it?  Is it in my Home?  What can be done? is also available for group presentations such as neighborhood meetings, HOAs, civic clubs, social clubs, etc. Contact Marian at 247-5702, ext. 223. Free test kits will be available. The workshop is sponsored by La Plata County CSU Cooperative Extension and San Juan Basin Health Department. 

January 7             6.30 p.m.                     La Plata County Fairgrounds
January 17           4:00 p.m.                     Bayfield Public Library
January 23           2:00 p.m.                     Pagosa Springs      TBD
January 30           5:30 p.m.                     La Plata County Fairgrounds
February 5        10:00 a.m.                      La Plata County Fairgrounds
February 28        3:00 a.m.                      La Plata County Fairgrounds

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. This community workshop is a great opportunity to take action toward reducing individuals’ and families’ risk of lung cancer from radon. For more information about radon, see www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/rad/radon/index.htm

Food Service Trainings on January 9^th and 15^th
Classes designed for food service employees:Spanish only Food Protection Class ~ January 9, 2008  8:30 am to noon $25

Food Protection Class ~ January 15, 2008 8 a.m. to noon $40   

ServSafe Course - 16 hrs.  National Certification Course ~ January 21-22
The ServSafe program is recommended for managers and owners. Considered the “Gold Standard” in food safety training, this national certification program is a comprehensive, integrated program of practices related to food safety and provides science-based information on how to run a safe establishment and to establish sound food safety policies. For information or to RSVP, contact Marian at 247-5702, ext. 223. Advance registration required. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation certifies the exam. 

The course costs $150. All textbooks and materials included.

Class: January 21 and 22    8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days

Renewal class for recertification: February 5^th   8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All courses will be held at San Juan Basin Health Department’s Conference Training Center, 281 Sawyer Drive in Bodo Park.  Call Marian for to RSVP or for more information   247-5702, x 223 or email her at: mschaub@sjbhd.org

Promoviendo La Salud: New Staff person in Pagosa
Promoviendo La Salud, a health promotion program of San Juan Basin Health Department, is pleased to announce the addition of Sandra Gnos to our team of promotoras (health promoters). Sandra will work out of the Pagosa Springs office, serving residents of Archuleta County. Sandra has a strong personal interest in health, nutrition and fitness, and looks forward to sharing her experience and training with her clients. For information about health screenings and other opportunities available through Promoviendo la Salud in Archuleta County, please contact Sandra at 759-9913.

1. Set a quit date and call the Colorado Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. You’ll receive a free supply of nicotine patches and receive a customized plan from an experienced quit coach. Services are available in English and Spanish.
2. Enlist your family, friends and co-workers in your quit plan. Tell them you are trying to quit, you need their encouragement and ask them not to smoke or chew around you.
3. Write your goals down on paper to remind you why you are quitting and help keep you motivated. This also could include what you will buy with the money you are saving from not purchasing tobacco. For a pack-a-day smoker, this amounts to nearly $1,500 a year.
4. Throw away all your tobacco products including your packs, ashtrays, items with tobacco logos, and lighters, so they don’t remind you of smoking or chewing.
5. Go for a walk outside every day. Exercise will help lower your stress, increase your endurance and help you prevent weight gain during the quitting process.

The Colorado Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or www.coquitline.org is a free, telephone coaching service that offers a free supply of the patch and connects smokers with trained coaches who help them create a customized quit plan. The service also is available for the deaf and hard-of-hearing at TTY: 800-659-2656.