Follow simple steps to enjoy safe swimming
May 26, 2010
National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week is May 24th-30th, 2010.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of swimming season, and is the traditional opening day of many public pools in Tennessee and across the country. While swimming offers numerous health benefits, recreational water can also transmit pathogens that cause illness. The Tennessee Department of Health joins in the sixth annual observance of National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week May 24th-30th to help make sure residents and visitors have a safe and healthy swimming season. [Read more]
Mosquito risk increased by recent flooding
May 8, 2010
Residents Urged to Use Repellents, Other Methods to Prevent Bites
Standing water provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, so flooded areas in middle and west Tennessee could cause significant increases in populations of these disease-carrying pests. The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding residents working to clean up homes, businesses and other facilities in Tennessee to take steps to help prevent illnesses associated with mosquitoes.
“Prevention is the first line of defense from mosquitoes, and we have worked hard to reduce mosquito-borne illnesses in Tennessee,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “As families work to clean out and restore their homes in the days and weeks ahead, it’s imperative that mosquito repellants be used and other recautions be taken to protect our health.”
[Read more]
Breastfeeding an urgent need in emergencies
July 29, 2009
World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7, 2009
NASHVILLE – Emergency preparedness for families involves stocking supplies and making plans for coping with a crisis situation. Those plans should also include breastfeeding for infants. The Tennessee Department of Health is working to raise awareness of breastfeeding as a crucial practice during emergencies as part of the observance of World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, 2009.
The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2009 is “Breastfeeding – A Vital Emergency Response. Are You Ready?” This theme highlights the need to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in emergencies for the survival, health and development of infants and young children.
“Children are among the most vulnerable groups during emergencies, and small children are the most vulnerable of all due to increased risk of death due to diarrhea and pneumonia,” said Glenda King, breastfeeding coordinator for the Tennessee Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. “Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.” [Read more]
Protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites to prevent illness
July 9, 2009
TDOH reports some tick-borne illnesses on the rise
NASHVILLE – Summer is the peak time for people to be bitten by ticks and mosquitoes, which may carry diseases that can infect humans. The Department of Health tracks cases of these diseases and has noted a recent increase in human cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis, both of which are transmitted through tick bites. TDOH urges Tennesseans to follow commonsense precautions to protect themselves and help reduce the risk of illness.
Ticks commonly found in Tennessee
Statistics from the TDOH Communicable and Environmental Diseases Services show a moderate increase of 65 confirmed cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever statewide for this year, compared to 46 for the same period last year. CEDS also reports 17 confirmed cases of Ehrlichiosis statewide so far this year, compared to 14 for this time in 2008.
“Increases in these illnesses typically occur during the summer months. The increased number of cases this year compared to last year is a reminder of the importance of preventing tick bites and controlling ticks around our homes,” said John Dunn, DVM, PhD, public health veterinarian with TDOH. “If you do find a tick on your skin, removing it promptly will reduce your risk of illness.”
Ticks are common in Tennessee, and can be found on lawns and in household landscaping as well as wooded areas. These precautions can help you protect yourself in environments where ticks are present: [Read more]
