 February 2020 // Volume 2, Issue 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Cheers for One Year!Influenza (flu) is a serious upper respiratory infection, not to be confused with gastrointestinal illness. Flu activity is high in the U.S. and Colorado, and public health officials expect this to continue for weeks. With a slew of respiratory illnesses going around, including the flu, we want to remind everyone of some basic but important tips for protecting you and your loved ones. - Get a flu shot. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual influenza vaccine. If you get the shot and still get sick, research shows symptoms and length of the illness is reduced.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. If you’re sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone if you can.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Lather up for the length of time it takes to sing a song like “Happy birthday”.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread quickly this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
- See your healthcare provider if you have flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue). Take flu antiviral medicine if it is prescribed.
If you or a family member is experiencing flu-like symptoms or think you may have a respiratory illness, contact your healthcare provider. If you need a flu shot, it's not too late! Call the JCPH Clinic at 303-239-7078. We greatly appreciate you — our subscribers and public health champions — and look forward to another year of health and wellness in 2020!
Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Huffman
Director, Community Health Services
Jefferson County Public Health
|
|
|
|
|
|
14 Jeffco Teens Travel to Nation's CapitolA group of Jefferson County Communities That Care youth research interns met with Congressman Ed Perlmutter in an effort to create change around issues
like substance misuse, interpersonal violence and hopelessness and anxiety. Read the press release as well as their daily blog.
|
|
|
|
Health Is for All People: JCPH Opposes New Federal Public Charge RuleThe U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled to lift the nationwide, court-ordered block of the Public Charge Rule. The complicated nature of the rule is problematic and has resulted in fear for many immigrating to the U.S. as well as many who have already immigrated. The Public Charge Rule is in direct conflict with our mission at JCPH. Read our statement here. |
|
|
|
My Name is ... Cheri JahnCheck out this profile of Cheri Jahn, JCPH’s newest Board of Health Member, in the Lakewood Sentinel. |
|
|
|
Earned Income Tax CreditTax season is here! Many families in Jefferson County may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC gives families money back per child, not just as a credit but as a refund, up to $6,500 depending on number of children and income level. In addition, households earning less than $56,000 per year qualify for free tax help in person! To find out more about free tax help, go to GetMyRefundColorado.org or call 2-1-1. Also, households making $66,000 or less per year can also file taxes for free online at MyFreeTaxes.Com. To find out more about tax credits and filing resources, watch this video. |
|
|
|
DATA ROUNDUP: 2019 Novel Coronavirus
|
|
|
|
|
|
JCPH is closely monitoring the developments of the novel coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China. Learn more about the virus, what to look for and how to protect yourself here or call COHELP (303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911). |
|
|
|
|
|
Sunshine Community Garden Seeking Growers for 2020 SeasonHave you always wanted to grow you own fruits and vegetables? Here is your opportunity! The Sunshine Community Garden in Arvada is now taking applications and has space for more than 30 gardeners! A low, one-time plot fee of $25 gets you everything you need to garden, including water, compost, seeds/seedlings, advice from CSU Master Gardeners and more.
Want to get involved, but not commit to a plot of your own? The Sunshine Community Garden will hold open-to-the-public events throughout the growing season, and is always looking for volunteers and donations to help buy plants and supplies.
To learn more and get involved, contact Meredith Quenzer at
[email protected]. You can also follow along with the garden on Facebook at bit.ly/SunshineCommunityGarden!
|
|
|
|
Talk with Your Teen about Dating Dating is a normal part of the teen experience. Since teens are new to romantic relationships, it can be hard for them to understand the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.
Talk to your teen about how they expect to be treated by, as well as how they will treat, partners. Ask them about their friends' relationships. The best way to show your teen you care? Be there. Have a talk with your teen. Learn more at www.twelvetalks.com/dating. |
|
|
|
Health from the Ground Up: Meet Your Local FarmersCome meet your local Jefferson County farmers and enjoy a free meal of locally-grown ingredients! The goal of this event is to benefit local farmers by increasing residents’ awareness, interest and participation in local agriculture and re-connect residents with food grown right in their community. Registration is required, please RSVP at http://bit.ly/JeffcoCSADay20. |
|
|
|
|
|
Rooney Road Recycling CenterThe Rooney Road Recycling Center accepts most types of household hazardous waste materials and electronics for Jefferson County residents. Many household chemicals pose a serious health hazard if not properly handled, stored and disposed. Make an appointment to get rid of your recyclables safely, Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
