The Maine Tracking Network now includes Lyme disease data.
As the third most commonly reported infectious disease in Maine, Lyme disease poses a significant health risk to people in all parts of Maine. The availability of Lyme disease data on the Maine Tracking Network will raise awareness of the disease and help promote primary prevention of the disease and recognition of the signs of early-stage Lyme disease.
The Maine Tracking Network is a web-based data portal that lets users explore some of Maine's public health data and create customized reports, by geographic area, time period, age group, etc., using analysis and visualization tools.
Maine Tracking Network now has data for 10 public health topics, including asthma, childhood lead poisoning, heart attack, carbon monoxide poisoning, and birth outcomes. Lyme disease data were made available on the network after many months of work and collaboration between members of Maine CDC’s Divisions of Environmental Health, Public Health Systems, and Infectious Disease.
These data can be accessed at: http://go.usa.gov/4Zgw For direct access to the Maine Tracking Network: https://tracking.publichealth.maine.gov
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Folic Acid Awareness
January 6-12 is National Folic Acid Awareness Week. Adequate folic acid intake is important for the prevention of birth defects.
Facts About Folic Acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Everyone needs folic acid.
US CDC urges women to take 400 mcg of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant, to help prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.
Why folic acid is so important
Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine (anencephaly and spina bifida).
When to start taking folic acid
For folic acid to help prevent some major birth defects, a woman needs to start taking it at least one month before she becomes pregnant and while she is pregnant.
Every woman needs folic acid every day, whether she’s planning to get pregnant or not, for the healthy new cells the body makes daily. Think about the skin, hair, and nails. These – and other parts of the body – make new cells each day.
How a woman can get enough folic acid
There are two easy ways to be sure to get enough folic acid each day:
1. Take a vitamin that has folic acid in it every day.
Most multivitamins sold in the United States have the amount of folic acid women need each day. Women can also choose to take a small pill (supplement) that has only folic acid in it each day.
Multivitamins and folic acid pills can be found at most local pharmacy, grocery, or discount stores. Check the label to be sure it contains 100% of the daily value (DV) of folic acid, which is 400 micrograms (mcg).
2. Eat a bowl of breakfast cereal that has 100% of the daily value of folic acid every day.
Not every cereal has this amount. Check the label on the side of the box, and look for one that has “100%” next to folic acid.
Facts About Folic Acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Everyone needs folic acid.
US CDC urges women to take 400 mcg of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant, to help prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.
Why folic acid is so important
Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine (anencephaly and spina bifida).
When to start taking folic acid
For folic acid to help prevent some major birth defects, a woman needs to start taking it at least one month before she becomes pregnant and while she is pregnant.
Every woman needs folic acid every day, whether she’s planning to get pregnant or not, for the healthy new cells the body makes daily. Think about the skin, hair, and nails. These – and other parts of the body – make new cells each day.
How a woman can get enough folic acid
There are two easy ways to be sure to get enough folic acid each day:
1. Take a vitamin that has folic acid in it every day.
Most multivitamins sold in the United States have the amount of folic acid women need each day. Women can also choose to take a small pill (supplement) that has only folic acid in it each day.
Multivitamins and folic acid pills can be found at most local pharmacy, grocery, or discount stores. Check the label to be sure it contains 100% of the daily value (DV) of folic acid, which is 400 micrograms (mcg).
2. Eat a bowl of breakfast cereal that has 100% of the daily value of folic acid every day.
Not every cereal has this amount. Check the label on the side of the box, and look for one that has “100%” next to folic acid.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Birth Defects Prevention
January 2013 is National Birth Defects Prevention Month! The theme is "Birth defects are common, costly, and critical.”
Birth defects affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States and are a leading cause of infant mortality. Put another way, Every 4.5 minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect. Major birth defects are conditions present at birth that cause structural changes in one or more parts of the body. They can have a serious, adverse effect on health, development, or functional ability. Babies who survive and live with birth defects are at increased risk for developing many lifelong physical, cognitive, and social challenges. Medical care and support services only scrape the surface of the financial and emotional impact of living with birth defects.
Not all birth defects can be prevented. But, a woman can increase her own chances of having a healthy baby, by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant. This is important because many birth defects happen very early during pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Here are some steps a woman can take to get ready for a healthy pregnancy The good news is awareness efforts offer hope for reducing the number of birth defects in the future:
Accurately tracking birth defects is the first step in preventing them and reducing their effect. Birth defects tracking systems are vital to help us find out where and when birth defects occur and who they affect. This gives us important clues about preventing birth defects and allows us to evaluate our efforts. We base our research on what we learn from tracking. By analyzing the data collected, we can identify factors that increase or decrease the risk of birth defects and identify community or environmental concerns that need more study. In addition, research helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) answer critical questions about the causes of many of these birth defects.
- consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily
- manage chronic maternal illnesses such as diabetes, seizure disorders, or phenylketonuria (PKU)
- reach and maintain a healthy weight
- talk to a health care provider about taking any medications, both prescription and over-the-counter
- avoid alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs
- see a health care provider regularly
- avoid toxic substances at work or at home
- ensure protection against domestic violence
- know their family history and seek reproductive genetic counseling, if appropriate
Research and Tracking:
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Maine CDC Public Health Update 12/13/12
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Thirty cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported in children younger than 1 year old in Maine so far this year. Maine CDC has issued new clinical guidance for providers treating infant pertussis. It is available on the Maine CDC website.
Weekly updates on pertussis in Maine are posted to www.mainepublichealth.gov on Thursdays.
DTaP vaccine is recommended for all infants and children. Tdap vaccine is recommended for all preteens, teens, and adults.
For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/dCO
Recent health alerts
Influenza
Maine CDC reported regional flu activity for the week ending Dec. 8. Weekly updates are available online:
America's Health Rankings
Maine ranked ninth overall (up from tenth last year) in the recently released America’s Health Rankings by the United Health Foundation.
These rankings are used to stimulate action by individuals, elected officials, medical professionals, public health professionals, employers, educators and communities to improve the health of the population of the U.S.
For more information, visit http://www.americashealthrankings.org/ME
HIV and hepatitis screenings
Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued draft recommendations pertaining to HIV and viral hepatitis screening and is inviting public comments on both.
The Task Force is an independent group of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services.
The draft recommendation for HIV screening applies to all people aged 15 to 65 and all pregnant women. Public comments can be submitted online until December 17.
Public comments on the draft recommendations for screening adults for hepatitis C virus infection can be submitted online until December 24.
For more information and to submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/index.html
Thirty cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported in children younger than 1 year old in Maine so far this year. Maine CDC has issued new clinical guidance for providers treating infant pertussis. It is available on the Maine CDC website.
In total, more than 660 cases of pertussis have been reported in Maine this year, with the majority in children ages 7 to 19. Reported cases appear to be on a downward trend.
Recent health alerts
- Group A Strep: Maine CDC is investigating a cluster of invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections in patients who have reported a history of injecting bath salts. Four cases of invasive GAS have been reported among persons aged 23-37 years, two of which resulted in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). All cases reported injecting bath salts, all required hospitalization, one required intensive care, and one had necrotizing fasciitis. All four cases are from Aroostook and Penobscot counties. The health alert is at: http://go.usa.gov/gPfj
- Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. Gonococcal infection is reportable to Maine CDC within 48 hours of recognition or strong suspicion of disease. In men, common symptoms include burning sensation when urinating or a white, yellow or green penile discharge. In women, symptoms are uncommon, but may include painful or burning sensation when urinating or increased vaginal discharge. Gonorrhea is a major cause of serious reproductive complications in females. Case reports of gonorrhea in Maine have been increasing in recent years from 96 cases in 2008 to 272 cases in 2011. The health alert is available at: http://go.usa.gov/gPf5
Maine CDC reported regional flu activity for the week ending Dec. 8. Weekly updates are available online:
- for Maine: http://go.usa.gov/NoK
- for the US: http://go.usa.gov/ITB
- for the world: http://go.usa.gov/ITK
Maine CDC reminds everyone to take everyday preventive measures against the flu:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or shoulder
- Stay home when you feel sick
- Get vaccinated – find locations at www.flu.gov
America's Health Rankings
Maine ranked ninth overall (up from tenth last year) in the recently released America’s Health Rankings by the United Health Foundation.
These rankings are used to stimulate action by individuals, elected officials, medical professionals, public health professionals, employers, educators and communities to improve the health of the population of the U.S.
For more information, visit http://www.americashealthrankings.org/ME
HIV and hepatitis screenings
Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued draft recommendations pertaining to HIV and viral hepatitis screening and is inviting public comments on both.
The Task Force is an independent group of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services.
The draft recommendation for HIV screening applies to all people aged 15 to 65 and all pregnant women. Public comments can be submitted online until December 17.
Public comments on the draft recommendations for screening adults for hepatitis C virus infection can be submitted online until December 24.
For more information and to submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/index.html
Monday, November 19, 2012
Partnering to Create Healthy Futures
Maine's statewide Community Transformation Grant (CTG) is facilitating partnerships among state and local organizations to implement an evidence-based approach to reduce childhood obesity. Working with state agencies and private programs that care for children, the Maine CTG effort has been able to leverage the expertise of the Let's Go! 5210 Goes to Childcare program and added resources to support healthy eating and active living in childcare programs. Already, more than 230 additional sites are benefiting from the collaborative approach.
Challenge
In 2011, more than 38% of Maine's kindergarten students were overweight or obese. Carrying too much weight as a young child increases the risk of being an overweight or obese adult; increases the risk of having chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease; and leads to a poor quality of life. The good news is that with time and attention, the trend can be stopped and even reversed. Healthy eating and physical activity are two behaviors that are known to impact weight. These behaviors are influenced by family, and friends, and access to health options. For our youngest children who spend much of their days with childcare providers, the childcare setting presents an opportunity to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits. The challenge is in providing caregivers the assistance they need to foster healthy places and habits for our youngest residents.
Solution
Maine’s Community Transformation Grant is leveraging limited resources through public-private partnerships and multiple collaborations to address childhood obesity. The approach uses a structured, evidenced process, Let’s Go! 5210 Goes to Childcare or Let’s Move, to help licensed child care providers identify and implement more supports in their programs for healthy eating and active living. Through education and guidance, providers will adopt practices that foster healthy lifestyle choices for Maine’s most vulnerable, our children.
Results
Maine's CTG has built on the strengths and skills of the Statewide Childhood Obesity Taskforce partners to create and implement common approaches and tools to support healthier childcare environments. Maine's nine public health districts have created plans and started implementation of the structured process with their local licensed childcare providers and local Let's Go! 5210 Goes to Childcare partners. In the first year with the help of CTG, more than 230 additional licensed childcare sites have enrolled with Let's Go! 5210 Goes to Childcare to begin the change process.
Future Directions
This is an opportunity for licensed childcare providers and supporting agencies to benefit from technical assistance and resources to promote healthy eating and active living in your communities. The ultimate goal is to create a healthy start for our youngest residents by surrounding them with healthy environments and promoting habits that prevent obesity. By 2016, we expect to see one-third of Maine's licensed childcare sites make environmental changes to support healthy living. There will be continued strong collaboration across public and private agencies working to address childhood obesity in Maine.
Challenge
In 2011, more than 38% of Maine's kindergarten students were overweight or obese. Carrying too much weight as a young child increases the risk of being an overweight or obese adult; increases the risk of having chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease; and leads to a poor quality of life. The good news is that with time and attention, the trend can be stopped and even reversed. Healthy eating and physical activity are two behaviors that are known to impact weight. These behaviors are influenced by family, and friends, and access to health options. For our youngest children who spend much of their days with childcare providers, the childcare setting presents an opportunity to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits. The challenge is in providing caregivers the assistance they need to foster healthy places and habits for our youngest residents.
Solution
Maine’s Community Transformation Grant is leveraging limited resources through public-private partnerships and multiple collaborations to address childhood obesity. The approach uses a structured, evidenced process, Let’s Go! 5210 Goes to Childcare or Let’s Move, to help licensed child care providers identify and implement more supports in their programs for healthy eating and active living. Through education and guidance, providers will adopt practices that foster healthy lifestyle choices for Maine’s most vulnerable, our children.
Results
Maine's CTG has built on the strengths and skills of the Statewide Childhood Obesity Taskforce partners to create and implement common approaches and tools to support healthier childcare environments. Maine's nine public health districts have created plans and started implementation of the structured process with their local licensed childcare providers and local Let's Go! 5210 Goes to Childcare partners. In the first year with the help of CTG, more than 230 additional licensed childcare sites have enrolled with Let's Go! 5210 Goes to Childcare to begin the change process.
Future Directions
This is an opportunity for licensed childcare providers and supporting agencies to benefit from technical assistance and resources to promote healthy eating and active living in your communities. The ultimate goal is to create a healthy start for our youngest residents by surrounding them with healthy environments and promoting habits that prevent obesity. By 2016, we expect to see one-third of Maine's licensed childcare sites make environmental changes to support healthy living. There will be continued strong collaboration across public and private agencies working to address childhood obesity in Maine.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Get Smart About Antibiotics
What do sinusitis, most sore throats, bronchitis, runny noses and the regular cold have in common? They are upper respiratory tract infections usually caused by viruses that can′t be cured with antibiotics. Yet, each year, health care providers in the U.S. prescribe tens of millions of antibiotics for viral infections.
To bring attention to this increasing problem, Maine CDC is observing Get Smart About Antibiotics Week this week, along with the Maine Medical Association, Maine Hospital Association, and Maine Public Health Association.
The campaign highlights the coordinated efforts of US CDC, states, and other partners to educate clinicians and the public about antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.
Over-prescribing antibiotics, using a broad-spectrum therapy when a more specific drug would be better, starting and stopping medications, giving leftover medications to a friend who appears to have the same ailment you had, all contribute to the problem of antibiotic drug resistance, according to US CDC. As we enter this year′s cold and flu season, CDC asks parents to not insist on getting antibiotics when a health care provider says they are not needed.
Health care providers are asked to take the time to educate patients about antibiotic resistance and the possibility of having serious side effects. For example, allergic reactions to antibiotics, such as rash and anaphylaxis, send thousands of patients to the emergency room each year, according to a study published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal.
Health care providers can also prevent antimicrobial resistance by ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment of infections, prescribing antibiotics appropriately, and following infection prevention techniques to prevent the spread of drug-resistant infections in health care facilities. Doctors cite diagnostic uncertainty, time pressure, and patient demand as the primary reasons for their tendency to over-prescribe antibiotics. Appropriate use of existing antibiotics can limit the spread of antibiotic resistance, preserving antibiotics for the future.
For treatment guidelines for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, see: http://go.usa.gov/YSb5
For more information about antimicrobial resistance, including background articles, patient materials, and continuing education programs, see http://go.usa.gov/YSbV
To bring attention to this increasing problem, Maine CDC is observing Get Smart About Antibiotics Week this week, along with the Maine Medical Association, Maine Hospital Association, and Maine Public Health Association.
The campaign highlights the coordinated efforts of US CDC, states, and other partners to educate clinicians and the public about antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.
Over-prescribing antibiotics, using a broad-spectrum therapy when a more specific drug would be better, starting and stopping medications, giving leftover medications to a friend who appears to have the same ailment you had, all contribute to the problem of antibiotic drug resistance, according to US CDC. As we enter this year′s cold and flu season, CDC asks parents to not insist on getting antibiotics when a health care provider says they are not needed.
Health care providers are asked to take the time to educate patients about antibiotic resistance and the possibility of having serious side effects. For example, allergic reactions to antibiotics, such as rash and anaphylaxis, send thousands of patients to the emergency room each year, according to a study published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal.
Health care providers can also prevent antimicrobial resistance by ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment of infections, prescribing antibiotics appropriately, and following infection prevention techniques to prevent the spread of drug-resistant infections in health care facilities. Doctors cite diagnostic uncertainty, time pressure, and patient demand as the primary reasons for their tendency to over-prescribe antibiotics. Appropriate use of existing antibiotics can limit the spread of antibiotic resistance, preserving antibiotics for the future.
For treatment guidelines for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, see: http://go.usa.gov/YSb5
For more information about antimicrobial resistance, including background articles, patient materials, and continuing education programs, see http://go.usa.gov/YSbV
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Influenza update 11/15/12
Maine CDC recently reported the first flu activity for the 2012-2013 season. For more information and clinical recommendations for this flu season, see the Nov. 5 health alert at http://go.usa.gov/YSTQ
Weekly updates on flu activity are available online:
Maine CDC reminds everyone to take everyday preventive measures against the flu:
- for Maine: http://go.usa.gov/NoK
- for the US: http://go.usa.gov/ITB
- for the world: http://go.usa.gov/ITK
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or shoulder
- Stay home when you feel sick
- Get vaccinated – find locations at www.flu.gov
Monday, November 5, 2012
In-office blood testing
The Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is pleased to announce rules adopted Nov. 5 now allow providers two options for blood lead testing:
1. Continue to submit blood lead samples to the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory; or
2. Perform capillary blood lead analysis using a CLIA waived in-office blood lead testing device, such as a LeadCareII, and directly report all test results to Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
Providers must have approval from the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program before they can begin in-office testing.
The intent of the law is to increase blood lead testing of children under age 6 years by removing barriers to testing, such as travelling to an off-site location to have blood drawn. Using a direct-read blood lead analyzer, providers will be able to perform a capillary blood lead test and within minutes report the result to the patient’s parent/guardian. (Note: All elevated blood lead levels will require a venous confirmation through the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory.)
For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/YhnT
1. Continue to submit blood lead samples to the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory; or
2. Perform capillary blood lead analysis using a CLIA waived in-office blood lead testing device, such as a LeadCareII, and directly report all test results to Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
Providers must have approval from the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program before they can begin in-office testing.
The intent of the law is to increase blood lead testing of children under age 6 years by removing barriers to testing, such as travelling to an off-site location to have blood drawn. Using a direct-read blood lead analyzer, providers will be able to perform a capillary blood lead test and within minutes report the result to the patient’s parent/guardian. (Note: All elevated blood lead levels will require a venous confirmation through the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory.)
For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/YhnT
Thursday, November 1, 2012
West Nile Virus
Maine CDC has identified the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) neuroinvasive disease in a Maine resident from Cumberland County.
This is Maine’s first ever locally-acquired case of WNV in a Maine resident.
The patient, who is recovering at home, presented with symptoms including fever, encephalitis, meningitis, weakness, and double vision beginning on October 1.
Maine CDC issued a health advisory Oct. 31 to alert clinicians of the presence of human WNV disease activity in Maine, and to remind clinicians to consider testing for arboviral disease in patients presenting with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis, or a febrile illness of unknown etiology through the end November.
For more information, see the health alert: http://go.usa.gov/Yfhx
This is Maine’s first ever locally-acquired case of WNV in a Maine resident.
The patient, who is recovering at home, presented with symptoms including fever, encephalitis, meningitis, weakness, and double vision beginning on October 1.
Maine CDC issued a health advisory Oct. 31 to alert clinicians of the presence of human WNV disease activity in Maine, and to remind clinicians to consider testing for arboviral disease in patients presenting with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis, or a febrile illness of unknown etiology through the end November.
For more information, see the health alert: http://go.usa.gov/Yfhx
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Healthy Maine Walks
Scientific research has shown that regular physical activity not only promotes health and well-being, it also reduces the risk of developing many chronic diseases and of becoming overweight or obese. Walking routes offer a safe and fun way to get health-promoting physical activity. Walking requires little or no equipment and can be enjoyed by most individuals, regardless of their abilities. Many routes are also wheelchair accessible.
Healthy Maine Walks is the most comprehensive listing of walking routes in the state. A Healthy Maine Walk is an accessible indoor or outdoor walking route that most people can walk in one hour or less at a brisk pace. Walking routes may be a local high school track, a downtown "museum in the streets" trail, or a portion of a larger trail system. This website is designed specifically to provide users with information about where to find a place to walk near where they live, work or play to help them lead an active healthy lifestyle.
This online resource has just undergone its first major overhaul since being launched more than ten years ago. The new site is more user friendly and provides more information about the walking routes listed. Most of all it enables people across the State who manage and maintain walking routes to upload their route information directly by becoming a HMW “Walk Liaison”. To learn how you can become a Walk Liaison, or to find a walk near you, go to www.healthymainewalks.com, or contact Doug Beck (doug.beck@maine.gov) Physical Activity Coordinator in the Maine CDC Division of Population Health for more information.
Healthy Maine Walks is the most comprehensive listing of walking routes in the state. A Healthy Maine Walk is an accessible indoor or outdoor walking route that most people can walk in one hour or less at a brisk pace. Walking routes may be a local high school track, a downtown "museum in the streets" trail, or a portion of a larger trail system. This website is designed specifically to provide users with information about where to find a place to walk near where they live, work or play to help them lead an active healthy lifestyle.
This online resource has just undergone its first major overhaul since being launched more than ten years ago. The new site is more user friendly and provides more information about the walking routes listed. Most of all it enables people across the State who manage and maintain walking routes to upload their route information directly by becoming a HMW “Walk Liaison”. To learn how you can become a Walk Liaison, or to find a walk near you, go to www.healthymainewalks.com, or contact Doug Beck (doug.beck@maine.gov) Physical Activity Coordinator in the Maine CDC Division of Population Health for more information.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Breast Cancer Awareness
Maine CDC recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2012, it is anticipated that 1,170 Maine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 180 women will die from the disease.
Eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly are two important steps to lessen the risk. To increase the chance of finding breast cancer early, it is important that women be screened regularly. Early detection is the best protection and mammograms are still the best screening test. The 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey found that more than 80% of 221,241 Maine women age 40 and older reported having a mammogram in the past two years.
Help is available for women age 40 and older who are in need of breast, cervical, and colorectal screening tests if they meet program qualifications. The Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health and Colorectal Cancer Control Programs can provide information about cancer screening tests as well as resources for free cancer screenings.
Interested women are encouraged to call 1-800-350-5180 or 1-207-287-8068, TTY users call Maine Relay 711. More details can also be found at: http://go.usa.gov/Y4b3
Eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly are two important steps to lessen the risk. To increase the chance of finding breast cancer early, it is important that women be screened regularly. Early detection is the best protection and mammograms are still the best screening test. The 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey found that more than 80% of 221,241 Maine women age 40 and older reported having a mammogram in the past two years.
Help is available for women age 40 and older who are in need of breast, cervical, and colorectal screening tests if they meet program qualifications. The Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health and Colorectal Cancer Control Programs can provide information about cancer screening tests as well as resources for free cancer screenings.
Interested women are encouraged to call 1-800-350-5180 or 1-207-287-8068, TTY users call Maine Relay 711. More details can also be found at: http://go.usa.gov/Y4b3
Friday, October 5, 2012
Recognizing Disease Intervention Specialists
Maine CDC, in conjunction with the National Coalition of Sexually Transmitted Disease Directors (NCSD), will be participating in the first National Disease Intervention Specialists Recognition Day on Friday. Intended to be an annual event celebrated the first Friday of October, the day has been set aside to honor the Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) workforce, which is the underpinning of all STD and HIV programs.
DIS personnel provide confidential interviews to people diagnosed with an STD to address concerns about their diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and referral needs. In addition, they work to obtain the names and contact information of sexual and needle-sharing partner(s) in order to confidentially notify them of their possible exposure and offer counseling, testing, and treatment. This service effectively breaks the chain of disease transmission and protects public health.
In 2011, DIS in Maine worked 1,768 cases of individuals diagnosed with an STD or HIV. All of those diagnosed with HIV and 85% of those with an STD were successfully linked to treatment and services.
For additional materials and information on HIV and STDs in Maine, visit: www.mainepublichealth.gov/std
DIS personnel provide confidential interviews to people diagnosed with an STD to address concerns about their diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and referral needs. In addition, they work to obtain the names and contact information of sexual and needle-sharing partner(s) in order to confidentially notify them of their possible exposure and offer counseling, testing, and treatment. This service effectively breaks the chain of disease transmission and protects public health.
In 2011, DIS in Maine worked 1,768 cases of individuals diagnosed with an STD or HIV. All of those diagnosed with HIV and 85% of those with an STD were successfully linked to treatment and services.
For additional materials and information on HIV and STDs in Maine, visit: www.mainepublichealth.gov/std
Thursday, October 4, 2012
National Food Day, Oct. 24
The focus of National Food Day is very close to home here in Maine. Setting aside one day to focus on food reminds us of:
1. Take a small step to eat like your life depends on it - it does.
2. Look for local produce in season. Farmers markets go all year long now.
3. Savor your food with a family member or a friend.
4. When you donate foods to the food bank, think about health.
For healthy recipes, check http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/, which allows you to search for healthy and affordable recipes. Each recipe includes nutritional information, ingredients, instructions, and cost per recipe and per serving.
- the connection between health and great tasting food, like Maine apples;
- what we can do to end hunger; and
- the importance of having Maine farms and farmers that produce some of the best tasting fruit, vegetables, meats, chicken, fish, and grains in the nation.
Every day truly could be food day here in Maine. Take some time this month to stop and think about what you eat.
- Are the food choices you are making keeping you well?
- Did you ever wonder where your apples or carrots or meat comes from?
- Do you take time to enjoy the flavor of your food?
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, take action by taking the Food Day Challenge:
- Add one more veggie to your meals.
- Switch to lower fat dairy, whole grains, and grilled, baked, or broiled foods.
- Eat a little less.
3. Savor your food with a family member or a friend.
For healthy recipes, check http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/, which allows you to search for healthy and affordable recipes. Each recipe includes nutritional information, ingredients, instructions, and cost per recipe and per serving.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Friday is World Rabies Day
On September 28, the State of Maine will celebrate the sixth annual World Rabies Day. Although Maine has not had a case of human rabies since 1937 due to reporting and effective control measures, the threat of rabies remains.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals. The virus is spread when infected animals bite or scratch a person or another animal. The virus can also be spread if saliva or tissue from the brain or spinal cord of a rabid animal touches broken skin or gets into the mouth, nose or eyes of a person or another animal.
All mammals are susceptible to rabies infection, but only a few wildlife species are important reservoirs for the disease, including raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. While wildlife are more likely to be rabid than are domestic animals in the United States, domestic animals can be infected when they are bitten by wild animals.
Rabies in humans is preventable through prompt appropriate medical care. If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water right away, and contact your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be treated for a rabies exposure. Usually, medical care can be delayed if rabies can be ruled out in the biting animal either through a confinement period for domestic animals or rabies testing for wild animals.
Last month, Maine CDC was notified of a domestic dog that tested positive for rabies. This is the first case of rabies in a domestic dog in Maine since 2003. This case reminds us of the importance of keeping pets up-to-date on rabies vaccine and avoiding contact with wild animals to prevent the spread of rabies. The dog was infected with a variant of the rabies virus that circulates most commonly in raccoons and is predominant in the eastern United States.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals. The virus is spread when infected animals bite or scratch a person or another animal. The virus can also be spread if saliva or tissue from the brain or spinal cord of a rabid animal touches broken skin or gets into the mouth, nose or eyes of a person or another animal.
All mammals are susceptible to rabies infection, but only a few wildlife species are important reservoirs for the disease, including raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. While wildlife are more likely to be rabid than are domestic animals in the United States, domestic animals can be infected when they are bitten by wild animals.
All Mainers are encouraged to consider ways in which they can prevent the spread of rabies including:
- Vaccinate your pet cats and dogs against rabies; it is the law.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or other animals that you do not know.
- Bat proof your home. Wildlife biologists can provide tips on how to bat proof your home without harming bats but preventing them from entering your home.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Universal childhood immunizations
Public Law 2009-595 went into effect on January 1. This law reinstated the universal status of childhood immunizations in Maine. As part of this legislation the Maine Vaccine Board (MVB) was formed to help the State of Maine reinstate its universal purchase of vaccines for children under age 19. The MVB assures the necessary flow of vaccine purchase funds by collecting payments from health plans, insurance companies, and other payers and remitting the funds to the state. Through the Maine CDC's Childhood Vaccine Program, the State purchases vaccines at favorable rates and distributes them to providers at no charge.
This means that all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines are now available to all Maine children under age 19 at no cost to the child’s family or to providers in the State of Maine.
This program has many benefits for Maine citizens:
This program has many benefits for Maine citizens:
- reduces out-of-pocket vaccine costs for parents
- improves vaccination rates in Maine children
- lowers costs of vaccines through a public-private partnerships
- lowers vaccine costs in provider offices
- improves vaccine access by creating a single-tier system in provider offices
- most importantly, will improve vaccine rates by offering combination vaccines to reduce missed opportunities.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Protect Your Groundwater Day
Nearly 2/3 of Maine people get their drinking water from groundwater, so we have a large stake in protecting our groundwater quality and quantity in Maine. We can all use this day to begin doing our part for protecting one of our most important natural resources — our groundwater!
Some things you can do to help protect our groundwater:
For more information on Protect Your Groundwater Day, or to learn more ways you can protect groundwater, visit http://www.ngwa.org/Events-Education/groundwater-day/Pages/default.aspx. For information on public water systems visit the Drinking Water Program website at www.medwp.com. For more information on private wells, visit http://wellwater.maine.gov.
- Properly maintain your septic system: make sure to have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years and check for signs that your septic system is not working
- Handle gasoline, motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides and other hazardous chemicals with care, making sure not to dump them on the ground or pour them down the sink. When you’re done with them, dispose of them properly at a recycling center
- Inspect your heating oil tank and its piping to make sure it’s not leaking, starting to corrode or rust, or in danger of tipping over
- Don’t throw away or flush unused or unwanted medications down the drain. Instead, properly and safely dispose of them by using Maine’s Safe Medicine Disposal for ME free medication mailback program
Public drinking water systems regularly monitor and test the drinking water they provide, but if you have your own well, you should have your water tested every year for bacteria, nitrates and nitrites, and every 3-5 years for naturally occurring arsenic, radon, and uranium.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Newborn Screening Awareness Month
Newborn screening saves lives, prevents disabilities and saves money. In the last five decades, newborn screening has become a well-defined, nationwide early identification program. Every year, 4 million infants born in the United States are screened shortly after birth for hearing loss and certain genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. Each year, approximately 12,000 infants will be identified with one of these disorders.
The goal of newborn screening is to identify infants who appear healthy at birth, but who may have one of these disorders which can cause severe illness or death. Through early identification and treatment, newborn screening provides an opportunity for significant reductions in morbidity and mortality while reducing health care costs associated with treatment of lifelong debilitating conditions.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/features/ScreeningNewborns or get information on newborn screening in Maine.
The goal of newborn screening is to identify infants who appear healthy at birth, but who may have one of these disorders which can cause severe illness or death. Through early identification and treatment, newborn screening provides an opportunity for significant reductions in morbidity and mortality while reducing health care costs associated with treatment of lifelong debilitating conditions.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/features/ScreeningNewborns or get information on newborn screening in Maine.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Suicide prevention
There are numerous efforts being to recognize and support World Suicide Prevention Day. In Maine, a number of events are planned:
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program, a statewide suicide prevention initiative led by Maine CDC, in collaboration with the Departments of Education, Labor, Corrections, and Public Safety, is hosting a free training, “The Assessment and Management of Suicidal Clients,” from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 10 at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with the essential tools needed to assess suicide risks accurately and manage challenging scenarios effectively. The presenter is Dr. David Rudd, PhD, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Utah and Scientific Director for the National Center for Veterans Studies. Dr. Rudd is widely published and was recently elected a Distinguished Practitioner and Scholar of the National Academies of Practice in Psychology. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rudd is an active researcher with more than 170 publications. Registration is required at http://www.ccsme.org/Events.htm
Visit www.ccsme.org/train/suicideprevention to view the complete schedule of Suicide Prevention trainings for 2012-2013 and to register for these trainings.
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program is also organizing its annual event to raise awareness of suicide prevention activities statewide and to recognize people and organizations that are making a difference through “Caring About Lives in Maine” awards. The event will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Blaine House in Augusta. Registration is required. To register, please email Vincent Bryant at vincent.bryant@maine.gov and include your email address and phone number.
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program, a statewide suicide prevention initiative led by Maine CDC, in collaboration with the Departments of Education, Labor, Corrections, and Public Safety, is hosting a free training, “The Assessment and Management of Suicidal Clients,” from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 10 at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with the essential tools needed to assess suicide risks accurately and manage challenging scenarios effectively. The presenter is Dr. David Rudd, PhD, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Utah and Scientific Director for the National Center for Veterans Studies. Dr. Rudd is widely published and was recently elected a Distinguished Practitioner and Scholar of the National Academies of Practice in Psychology. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rudd is an active researcher with more than 170 publications. Registration is required at http://www.ccsme.org/Events.htm
Visit www.ccsme.org/train/suicideprevention to view the complete schedule of Suicide Prevention trainings for 2012-2013 and to register for these trainings.
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program is also organizing its annual event to raise awareness of suicide prevention activities statewide and to recognize people and organizations that are making a difference through “Caring About Lives in Maine” awards. The event will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Blaine House in Augusta. Registration is required. To register, please email Vincent Bryant at vincent.bryant@maine.gov and include your email address and phone number.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Healthy eating
September is both National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and National Fruit and Veggies - More Matters Month.
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem. There is no single or simple solution to childhood obesity. It is influenced by many different factors, including a lack of access to healthy food and drinks, as well as limited opportunities for physical activity in the places where children live, play, and learn. Working together, states, communities, and parents can help make the healthy choice the easy choice for children and adolescents.
Maine CDC is proud to highlight Maine’s annual Harvest Lunch Week and Farm to School efforts this month. These programs succeed in getting Maine youth to enjoy eating more fruits and veggies, which is important since only 1 in 4 Maine youth eat the recommended number of veggies and fruits each day. Studies show that fruit and vegetables are important to support growth, good health, and a healthy weight. Eating the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables can also help protect against high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, and some cancers.
Maine Harvest Lunch is a Farm to School activity that introduces students to local Maine grown veggies and fruits in their natural form. US CDC supports Farm to School as an obesity prevention strategy because it engages youth in learning about, preparing, and eating more veggies and fruits. Eating fruits and veggies prepared without added fat in place of higher calorie foods can help maintain a healthy weight. About 26% of Maine youth are overweight or obese. Fortunately, Maine has nearly 200 Farm to School programs with Maine farmers, teachers, and school food service personnel working together to improve the wellbeing of Maine’s youth and communities.
Maine CDC’s Division of Population Health staff is part of the Maine Farm to School Workgroup that provides technical assistance, best practice guidelines, and support to local schools, farmers, and teachers working on Farm to School. The workgroup is made of partners from state agencies and nongovernment organizations. The Healthy Maine Partnerships have been working on Farm to School and Maine Harvest Lunch Week in their local service areas for years, which helps support Maine CDC’s efforts to reach the Healthy Maine 2020 goal of increasing Maine youth’s fruit and veggie consumption.
To find out how many servings of fruits and veggies you need, go to ChooseMyPlate.gov.
For more information about how to eat more fruits and veggies, check out this PDF
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem. There is no single or simple solution to childhood obesity. It is influenced by many different factors, including a lack of access to healthy food and drinks, as well as limited opportunities for physical activity in the places where children live, play, and learn. Working together, states, communities, and parents can help make the healthy choice the easy choice for children and adolescents.
Maine CDC is proud to highlight Maine’s annual Harvest Lunch Week and Farm to School efforts this month. These programs succeed in getting Maine youth to enjoy eating more fruits and veggies, which is important since only 1 in 4 Maine youth eat the recommended number of veggies and fruits each day. Studies show that fruit and vegetables are important to support growth, good health, and a healthy weight. Eating the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables can also help protect against high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, and some cancers.
Maine Harvest Lunch is a Farm to School activity that introduces students to local Maine grown veggies and fruits in their natural form. US CDC supports Farm to School as an obesity prevention strategy because it engages youth in learning about, preparing, and eating more veggies and fruits. Eating fruits and veggies prepared without added fat in place of higher calorie foods can help maintain a healthy weight. About 26% of Maine youth are overweight or obese. Fortunately, Maine has nearly 200 Farm to School programs with Maine farmers, teachers, and school food service personnel working together to improve the wellbeing of Maine’s youth and communities.
Maine CDC’s Division of Population Health staff is part of the Maine Farm to School Workgroup that provides technical assistance, best practice guidelines, and support to local schools, farmers, and teachers working on Farm to School. The workgroup is made of partners from state agencies and nongovernment organizations. The Healthy Maine Partnerships have been working on Farm to School and Maine Harvest Lunch Week in their local service areas for years, which helps support Maine CDC’s efforts to reach the Healthy Maine 2020 goal of increasing Maine youth’s fruit and veggie consumption.
To find out how many servings of fruits and veggies you need, go to ChooseMyPlate.gov.
For more information about how to eat more fruits and veggies, check out this PDF
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tickborne diseases
Anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection carried by deer ticks, is an emerging infection in Maine. As of Aug. 8, 38 cases have been reported to Maine CDC from 8 counties (Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset and York). During 2011, a total of 26 cases were reported. Most infections occur during the summer and fall months, so the number of cases is expected to rise. For more information about anaplasmosis, see the health alert issued Aug. 9.
Other diseases that are carried by ticks in Maine include babesiosis and Lyme disease. In 2011, providers reported 9 cases of babesiosis; 3 cases have been reported to date in 2012. In 2011, providers reported 1,006 cases of Lyme disease; 483 cases have been reported to date in 2012.
Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are out and we expect the number of Lyme disease cases to increase in the warm weather.
For general information about Lyme disease see the May 1 health alert issued by Maine CDC.
Other diseases that are carried by ticks in Maine include babesiosis and Lyme disease. In 2011, providers reported 9 cases of babesiosis; 3 cases have been reported to date in 2012. In 2011, providers reported 1,006 cases of Lyme disease; 483 cases have been reported to date in 2012.
Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are out and we expect the number of Lyme disease cases to increase in the warm weather.
For general information about Lyme disease see the May 1 health alert issued by Maine CDC.
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