Author: Nicole Vick

6

SOUTH SPA

Chronicle

A publication for friends and neighbors of the South Service Planning Area

Volume IV, Issue II

Summer 2006

PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK 2006

Inside this issue:

SPA 6 receives funding for Chronic Disease Program	2
SPA News and Announcements	2
Nat’l Infant Immunization Week/Toddler Immunization Month	2
Public Health Supports Minority Cancer Awareness Week	3
SIDS - Steps to Prevent Unnecessary Deaths	4
ACS Supports California Tobacco Tax Initiative	5
June- Home Safety Month	5

LA County Public Health celebrates National Public Health Week April 3-9, 2006. This year’s theme is ”Building Healthy Communities Together”. During this week, many health-related activities are held in collaboration with private hospitals, health providers, colleges, schools, churches, community organizations, institutions, foundations and corporations. These activities are designed to inform our communities about available services and the important role Public Health plays in ensuring a healthy and safe environment for all to live.
The South Service Planning Area (SPA 6) will observe Public Health by hosting two community events. The first event will take place at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza on April 4 from 10am-2pm.The second event is a community health fair to be held at South Health Center on April 5. The fair is targeted towards school age children that attend school in the community surrounding South Health Center. SPA 6 has chosen the theme, “Healthy Picks for 2006” for Public Health Week to emphasize the importance of making healthy choices in order to live happier, healthier lives.
The first full week of April was proclaimed National Public Health Week by former President Clinton in 1995. The American Public Health Association serves as the organizer of National Public Health Week and develops a national campaign to educate the public, policymakers and practitioners during the week about issues related to the theme.
Although Public Health Week has been celebrated nationally since 1995, Los Angeles County Public Health has been sponsoring Public Health Week since 1987. The practice of observing a week for public health began as far back as 1945, when Dr. Ruth Temple initiated the state-observed Community Health Week in 1945, an annual event focused on health awareness. Dr. Temple, the first African-American woman to practice medicine in Los Angeles, pioneered the City's public health program and helped to establish the Southeast District Health Center.
More information about National Public Health Week and the American Public Health Association is available at www.apha.org. To find out about other Public Health Week activities in other SPAs, log on to www.lapublichealth.org

T.H.E. Clinic Moves to Ruth Temple Health Center

T.H.E. Clinic, Inc., a nonprofit health clinic designed “To Help Everyone (T.H.E.),” has announced that effective Jan 30 it will begin operating at the newly renovated Ruth Temple Health Center at 3834 S. Western Avenue in Los Angeles.
“It is not easy to pack up an entire health clinic of 85 employees and 33 years of accumulated memories on Friday and be open for business in a new neighborhood, new building with new technology, on Monday. But we’re up to the task,” stated Donzella Lee, Interim executive director. She’s excited about the move because the new facility will afford the popular clinic changes long desired: more exam rooms, mental health services, and a clinic van, to name a few, thanks to a generous grant from the California Endowment.
The old location on King Blvd. is being torn down to make way for Marlton Square, a City Redevelopment Agency project.
[ See Clinic, Page 3]

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Chronicle

Volume IV, Issue II

SPA 6 NEWS & NOTES

T.H.E. Clinic, Inc.
3834 S. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90062
presents
Free Beginning Yoga Classes
stretching, breath control, & settling the mind
Robert M. Taylor, Jr. –Instructor
March 20 through September 2006
Tues. and Thurs. 5:15 pm-6:15pm
Call 310 462 2898 or sign up on the day of class
**********
If you’d like an event featured in this column or have news to share, please contact Nicole Vick at nvick@ladhs.org or 323 235 6711

SPA 6 Receives Funding to Implement Chronic Disease Program

SPA 6 received funding from Kaiser Permanente to implement two sessions of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. The workshop is a six week program given in community settings such as senior centers, churches, and libraries.
Subjects covered include: 1) techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation, 2) appropriate exercise , 3) appropriate use of medications, 4) communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, 5) nutrition, and, 6) how to evaluate new treatments.
The program was developed by Stanford University as a result of a five year research grant. The purpose of the research was to develop and evaluate a community-based self-management program that assists people with chronic illness *.
SPA 6 is hoping to work with Watts Health Foundation and T.H.E. Clinic to host workshops in the community.
*http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html

LA County Celebrates National Infant Immunization Week

April 22-29, 2006 is National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), a time when the nation turns a spotlight on the importance of childhood immunizations; in California, the month of May is also Toddler Immunization Month (TIM). The Immunization Coalition of Los Angeles County (ICLAC) would like to remind parents and caregivers about the importance of timely immunizations for their children.
This year’s NIIW/TIM theme is “Community Immunity” referring to the fact that preventing life threatening diseases is only made possible when every child receives the recommended childhood vaccinations (see schedule below). Un-immunized children or children that do not receive immunizations at the recommended age, makes it possible for potentially life-threatening diseases, such as measles, chickenpox, and influenza to spread easily from one person to another. A decision to immunize is a decision to protect not only your child, but also children of entire communities. As the number of people who are immunized increases, vaccine preventable diseases decrease in all age groups, and in some cases diseases such as polio are eliminated entirely.
ICLAC urges parents to ask your child’s health care provider at every visit if your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. Also, remember to bring your child’s yellow card (immunization or shot record) to every health care visit. If you do not have a regular doctor, call 1-800-427-8700 to find a free or low cost clinic near you. Keep your community healthy, get your child immunized!

* Hep A is now given at age 1 yr.

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Volume IV, Issue II

T.H.E. Clinic Has New Address

[Clinic, from Page 1]
T.H.E. Clinic has operated a satellite clinic from Ruth Temple for several years, but now will take over the majority of the facility.
Because T.H.E. Clinic is a hub for over 15 cultures that speak 11 different languages, and hosts a plethora of programs in addition to the health services, lab and pharmacy, the outreach effort to let clients know where they have moved is a challenge. “Budgetarily, it is a strain to advertise in the many ethnic publications that cover such a diverse clientele, but since everyone goes outdoors, we are using pole banners in the area to alert the neighborhoods about the move,” said Lee. Mailings, email blasts and PSA’s are the other methods of outreach, besides good old-fashioned “word-of-mouth.” “Practically every dime we receive goes to making up the difference in a patient’s healthcare who otherwise couldn’t afford to come here,” said Lee. “Advertising is often not in the budget.”
Another challenge is finding away to alert clients seeking a wide variety of services: prenatal, infant and pediatric exams, contraception, teen health, adult health, relief from chronic diseases, men’s health and OB/Gynecology for women and senior healthcare. To address these concerns, T.H.E. Clinic offers a wide variety of programs including AIDS Programs, Teen Clinic and STD prevention, Prenatal Classes, and Diabetes Classes, to name a few.
“We pack a lot in here,” said Dr. David Martins, medical director. “The bottom line is we offer a spectrum of services and classes and expertise to a wide range of people. It may be the only place in the county where all of this coexists with love and understanding,” said Dr. Martins.
T.H.E Clinic, Inc. was founded in 1974 by a group of health professionals that wanted to make a difference in an area that was medically underserved. Over three decades later, one of those founders is still going strong, and still serves as the director of nursing. Marilyn Norwood or “Nurse Norwood,” as she is affectionately known, was honored at the Grand Opening /Open House March 4 at the new clinic.
“I will miss this old building,” said Norwood. It really protected us through earthquakes, and heavy rains. Even during the civil unrest we were not touched,” she said. Beginning Jan 30, the next three decades of memories begins.

National Multi-Cultural Cancer Awareness Week - April 18-21, 2006

The Public Health Office of the Medical Director, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society and the USC/Norris Cancer Hospital is facilitating "National Minority Cancer Awareness week", April 18 to the 21st. As part of the week's activities, there will be a half day kick off event on April 18th at the Radisson in Culver City. Two areas will be the focus of the kick off event -- Colon cancer in the African American community and Nutrition and Physical activity. The event will include speakers, activities and informational packets to participants. The target audience is community leaders, health care providers, and employers with an African American base.
This year marks the 20th annual National Minority Cancer Awareness Week (NMCAW); a campaign initiated by the Intercultural Cancer Council, sponsors of the Biennial Symposium on Minorities and the Medically Under served in 1986 to bring attention to the needs of special populations. The American Cancer Society, along with health care providers, community organizations, and state and local agencies, recognizes this week as an opportunity for heightening awareness of an unequal cancer burden for certain segments of ethnic and medically under served populations. The American Cancer Society will also use this time to highlight its initiatives addressing this burden.
Cancer affects some segments of the US population more than others. These special populations include people from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The term "medically under served" cuts across ethnic groups to refer to individuals who have insufficient or no health insurance; have little education; reside in rural or inner-city areas; are unemployed; live
in poverty or have socioeconomic challenges; face barriers such as language or low literacy; are disabled; or are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
These factors can add up to problems: decreased availability of culturally appropriate community health and information resources; increased risk for developing cancer; and lower usage of lifesaving early detection tests, such as mammograms, Pap tests, and colon cancer screening tests, and higher
mortality because of late stage detection.
If you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP by April 10 to Mary Fenster at 626 795 7774 option 3X 220 or mfenster@cancer.org

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Volume IV, Issue II

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:
New Guidelines to Reduce the Risk of the Silent Killer

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or “crib death”, is the leading cause of death in babies over one month of age (CA Dept. of Health Services, 2001). SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of an infant due to unexplainable causes. Losing a baby to SIDS is a confusing and heart-breaking experience, however there are steps that parents can take to reduce the risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued new recommendations for preventing SIDS in 2005:
Place your baby on his or her back to sleep
Babies placed on their backs to sleep is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Use a firm, flat sleep surface
Babies should sleep on a firm mattress. It is unsafe for babies to sleep on things like cushions, pillows or foam pads. Items like stuffed animals and toys should be removed from the bed.
Babies should sleep in their own beds
Babies can be brought to bed for nursing or to be comforted, but they should be returned to their bed afterwards.
Keep your baby close
Although it is recommended that babies sleep in their own beds, consider keeping the baby’s crib or bassinet in your room in the early months of your baby’s life.
Offer a pacifier
Research shows that using a pacifier at bedtime can cut SIDS risk in half. Pacifiers should not be dipped in anything sweet and should not be reinserted if it falls out during sleep.
Do not overheat your baby
Parents should NOT dress their baby in too much clothing as it can lead to overheating.
Create a safe environment
SIDS is more common among babies that are exposed to smoke.
Avoid products that claim to prevent SIDS
No evidence has shown that these home devices prevent SIDS. They also have not been tested for safety.
Breastfeed! Breastfeed! Breastfeed!
If you can, breastfeeding your baby is the best choice . Breastfed babies are healthier and studies have shown that breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS.
Although the problem of SIDS is widespread, the solution is simple: education and awareness. Together, equipped with knowledge and education, we can fight the battle against SIDS in our communities to protect our babies.

recipe from CA 5 a Day

These pancakes would be great to serve during Mother’s Day (May 14) or Father’s Day (June 18). Substitute any seasonal, canned, or frozen fruits for different flavors.

1 large banana, peeled and sliced
1 cup complete pancake mix
1/2 cup water
Nonstick cooking spray

Topping
11/2 cups frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons strawberry jam

Place banana in a medium bowl and mash with a fork. Add pancake mix and water; stir until blended. Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray over MEDIUM heat. Pour 3/4 cup batter for each pancake into hot skillet. Cook pancakes for about 2 minutes per side or until cooked through. Meanwhile, place berries in a small bowl with jam. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir, then cook for 1 minute more. Spoon topping over pancakes.

Nutrition Information Per Serving: Calories 200, Carbs 43g, Protein 4 g, Total Fat 2g, Saturated 0g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 400 mg, Dietary Fiber 3g

Makes 4 servings
2 pancakes per serving

Volume IV, Issue II

Chronicle

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Health Care Advocates Pursue Joint Tobacco Tax Initiative for November 2006

The Coalition for a Healthy California joined forces with the California Hospital Association, the California Chapter Academy of Emergency Physicians, and the California Association of Emergency Nurses to sponsor a statewide initiative that would raise the state’s tobacco tax by $2.60 per pack of cigarettes to fund emergency rooms, health insurance for children, nursing education, tobacco-related disease prevention and treatment, care for patients and to reduce smoking addiction.
Joining the new effort include the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association of California, American Heart Association, The Children’s Partnership, the California Hospital Association, the California Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians, California Emergency Nurses Association, PICO California, Children Now, California Primary Care Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Association of California Nurse Leaders, Emergency and Acute Care Medical Corporation, and the California Association of Physician Groups. The initiative will raise approximately $2.27 billion annually.
“This initiative offers Californians the best way to help tackle key elements of our growing health care crisis,” said Jim Knox, Legislative Advocacy Vice President of the American Cancer Society. “We know that every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes will reduce youth smoking by about seven percent and overall cigarette consumption by about four percent. “
"This tobacco tax will save lives," said Christine Bryant, volunteer with the American Lung Association of California and board member of the Coalition for a Healthy California. "Increasing the tobacco tax … will provide new resources to help California's four million smokers quit."
“Tobacco places a tremendous strain on the state’s health care system, impeding our ability to address important diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and asthma,” added Hannah Valantine, M.D., president of the American Heart Association.
“The joint initiative will provide direct, tangible improvements in health care for all Californians,” said C. Duane Dauner, president of the California Hospital Association. “This initiative is a landmark step forward in addressing these issues.”
"We believe this unprecedented coalition … is the right group to help our kids keep from smoking and lead our state … in providing affordable health insurance to all of California's children. With only 10 percent of kids still uninsured, this is an achievable goal," said Wendy Lazarus, Co-President of The Children's Partnership, one of the sponsoring organizations.
This initiative campaign began mid-February 2006 and will end at the end of April 2006. One million signatures are needed for this initiative to be on the November 2006 ballot. If you would like to volunteer to help gather signatures for this life-saving initiative, please contact the American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

June is Home Safety Month - “Hands on Home Safety”

Ask Americans where they feel safest and most will say their own home. However, according to the State of Home Safety in America report, there were more than 20 million medical visits due to unintentional home injuries in the latest year studied.
The Home Safety Council dedicates the month of June—Home Safety Month—to educate and empower both families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe.
“We hope to bring attention to the problem of preventable home injuries and its leading causes: slips and falls, poisonings and fires,” says Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. “Just a few simple steps can dramatically reduce the dangers in most homes and may even make a lifesaving difference.”
Throughout Home Safety Month, the Home Safety Council encourages the public to take a hands on approach to home safety and take some simple steps to minimize their risk from potential injuries, or even death.
Fires/Burns
●Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in or near all bedrooms, and test the batteries at least once a month
●Plan a home fire drill and practice it at least twice a year.
●Use safety covers in electrical outlets and anti-scald devices in faucets in homes with young children
Slips/Falls
●Make sure all porches, hallways and stairwells are well lit
●Use a non-slip mat, or install strips or decals in bathtubs and showers
●Install grab bars in bath and shower stalls
Poisonings
●Keep medicines and household chemicals and cleaners out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
●Install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas in the home
Visit the Home Safety Resource Center (www.homesafetycouncil.org/resour ce_center/resourcecenter.aspx) to review and download free information, including posters, brochures, safety checklists and additional tips to help safeguard your family.

SPA 6 EXECUTIVE TEAM
Acting Area Health Officer: Martina Travis, MPH, BSN
Area Medical Director: Maxine Liggins, MD
Director of Operations: Willie Mae Howard, MPA
Nurse Supervisors: Dee Warren, PHNS
Irlene Terrell, PHNS
Patricia Bautiste, PHNS
Ann Nelson, PHNS
Community Liaison: Emily Moore, PHN
Epidemiology Analyst: Farimah Fiali
Health Educator: Nicole D. Vick, MPH, CHES
Health Ed. Coordinator Teresa Level

MANAGING EDITOR
Nicole D. Vick

The SPA 6 CHRONICLE is published quarterly by the South Service Planning Area. You are welcome to make copies of this newsletter.

CONTRIBUTORS
Isidra Person Lynn
T.H.E. Clinic
Jameelah Harris, RN, PHN, SPA 6
Deb Weintraub and Ellen Cheng
American Cancer Society
Anna Invencion
Public Health, Immunization Program
Robert Gibson
Public Health Administration
Meri-K Appy
Home Safety Council

SOUTH SPA

6

Chronicle

South Area Health Office
5850 S. Main Street, Rm. 2277
Los Angeles, CA 90003

For change of address contact:
Teresa Level
Phone: 323 235 6707
FAX: 323 846 5442
tlevel@ladhs.org

Public Health Mission : To safeguard and improve the health of all Los angeles County residents