Public Health News Jan-Feb '09

Please join us as we celebrate the great outcomes the Nurse-Family Partnership and The Incredible Years are achieving in our Community! The celebration takes place on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 from 1:00-2:30 pm at San Juan Basin Health Department’s Larkspur Room. Refreshments will be provided. Please contact 303-839-1808 or email jross@iik.org with questions. Both programs serve young families. The Incredible Years are research-based, proven effective programs for reducing children's aggression and behavior problems and increasing social competence at home and at school.

 

Nurse Family Partnership, a San Juan Basin Health Department program, provides a nurse to pregnant moms for one-on-one education and support. This includes helping them obtain thorough prenatal care, improving their diet, and reducing their use of cigarettes, alcohol and illegal substances. When the baby is born, the nurse continues regular visits during the critical first two years of the child seeking to improve child health and development by helping parents provide responsible and competent care. Achieved positive outcomes include:

 

January 12: Ignacio Community Library, Ignacio 12:00 noon – 3:30pm

January 13: King Center Laundry, Durango 6:00pm – 8:00pm

January 14: Durango Rec Center, Durango 9:00am – 4:00pm

January 15: Ignacio Community Library, Ignacio 9:30am – 3:30pm

January 16: SOS Staffing, Durango 7:30am – 3:00 pm

January 21: Pagosa Springs Health Dept, Pagosa Springs 9:00am – 3:00pm

January 23: SOS Staffing, Durango 7:30am – 3:00pm

 

A parenting class for parents and caregivers of newborn babies and children up to age 5 is beginning January 20th. This free series of classes will take place from 10-1 p.m. at Christ the King Church in Durango. Childcare is provided. Children will participate in nurturing activities with early childhood specialists and will be with the parents over the shared lunch-time.  Infants can stay with the parents if they need to. There will be free lunch served and gas vouchers given every class. Call Judi Williams, RN, at 247-5702, ext. 1529 for more information or to enroll. Please note that enrollment is limited so call soon to reserve a spot.

The Senior Outreach program continues provided free screenings to our senior citizens. A nurse will test blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, oxygen level, and blood glucose level.

Second Thursday  of Each Month (Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 9) 

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 at Durango/La Plata County Senior Center

 

Third Thursday of each month in Ignacio ( Jan 15, Feb 19, Mar 19, Apr 17)

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 at: The Ignacio Senior Center

 

First Friday of Each Month in Bayfield (Jan 2, Feb 6, Mar 6, Apr 3)

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 at: the New Pine River Valley Senior Center at Bayfield

 

The 4th Dtap is one of the most frequently delayed or missed vaccines, perhaps in large part due to the “recommended” time frame for administration. Since it is recommended for toddlers age 15-18 months, an age that doesn’t correspond with routine well baby checks, parents may be missing that timely reminder from their pediatrician.  

 

With a recently received Colorado Department of Health and the Environment grant, San Juan Basin Health is trying to get the vaccination rate up for this crucial 4^th vaccine (in a series) that protects children from Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough). The La Plata and Archuleta county six month campaign consists of parent education, expanded immunization scheduling and incentives. When parents bring in their toddlers between 1 and 2 yrs. of age for their 4th Dtap, they’ll receive a $15 gift card. The goal is to markedly increase vaccine rates in this age group.

 

 

Thousands of tobacco users have “quit” on their New Year’s resolution list. Tapping into Colorado QuitLine’s free customized coaching sessions and free supply of the nicotine patch can add up to worthwhile savings financially and of course great benefits health-wise. For free resources and referrals, call San Juan Basin Health at 247-5702, ext. 236 or the Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

 

A Pediatric Neurology Clinic with Dr. Tom Reiley from The Children’s Hospital in Denver will take place in Pagosa Springs, Durango and Cortez on January 28, 29 and 30. Cost varies. Medicaid is billed for client. Other insurance is accepted. No one is turned down due to lack of insurance or inability to pay.

 

Referral from a physician or personal care provider is required.  Contact Judi Williams, RN at 247-5702, ext. 1529 with questions or to schedule an appointment. Please call as soon as possible as schedule fills quickly.

San Juan Basin Health’s Immunization program was awarded a grant to provide our community with clinics at school sites focusing on getting youth ages 11 to 18 immunized with the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis combination vaccine. This booster shot provides added protection against: Tetanus (lockjaw), a nerve disease caused by toxin-producing bacteria that can contaminate a wound; Diphtheria, a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing difficulty and; Pertussis (whooping cough), one of the most common respiratory infections among American teens, according to the CDC. Causing severe coughing spells that can last for weeks or months, the highly contagious disease is on the rise, with more than 25,000 cases in 2005.  

 

Please check our website www.sjbhd.org for up-to-date job opportunities.

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