public health
The Boston Public Health Commission is going all out to warn/inform people about the flu.
The commission's just set up an e-mail/text alert system to keep you up to the minute on the spread of flu across the city. You'll have to choose which group you belong to (from "businesses" to "residents").
The commission also has a set of downloadable posters that are just the thing for taping to lunchroom/bathroom walls about how to reduce flu transmission (such as sneezing into your sleeve instead of onto co-workers).
The Institute for Health Policy at The Massachusetts General Hospital is interested in how people are getting information about swine flu - and how you're dealing with the news. Take a ten-minute survey.
The Boston Public Health Commission made the announcement tonight:
As a precautionary measure, the Public Health Commission has closed the Harvard Dental Center until the extent of the illness can be determined. Public health officials also have requested the cancellation of classes for all third- and fourth-year and post-doctoral dental students. Those students, their faculty, and staff are urged to stay at home, pending the results of the ongoing investigation. University officials are fully cooperating with state and local health investigators.
Separately, the university announced that it would take the additional step of closing both the dental school and the dental clinic on Friday, May 1, as a precaution.
People who are experiencing symptoms of possible influenza, including sudden fever, cough, muscle aches, and sore throat should contact their healthcare provider for additional guidance.
Dr. Anita Barry, director of the Infectious Disease Bureau at the Boston Public Health Commission, talks about, well, you know:
I know that to some this post will be alarmist, even silly, and -- thankfully at this juncture -- unrelated to Boston, but the flu outbreak in Mexico that shows signs of spreading into the Western and Southwestern states has grabbed my attention.
If you haven't caught the news: boston.com...mexico_struggles_to_contain_swine_flu_outbreak/ Read more
The Boston Public Health Commission is doing video big time these days:
The Boston Public Health Commission today approved a ban on cigar bars, hookah joints and the sale of blunt wraps, "a tobacco leaf often marketed to
youths and known to be used as drug paraphernalia."
Banned immediately: Smoking anywhere in a hotel or B&B, restaurant patios and loading docks.
Banned in 60 days: Tobacco sales in pharmacies and on college campuses.
Existing cigar and hookah bars have 10 years to plan their demises.
On Thursday, the Boston Public Health Commission will vote on whether to kill off the few remaining cigar bars and sheesha cafes.
How can unelected bureaucrats legislate with such power over the rest of us? I blame the heavy hand of Menino, whose attempts to stifle any fun or mild mischief is making Boston a dead place. Maybe it's time to start an initiative petition to elect the Public Health Commission.
These bars already have stringent ventilation rules, so the impact on workers approaches nil. Anyways, as with a lot of jobs, individuals can assess the risks and benefits.
Around the Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline metropolitan area
what choices do adults have to get their vaccines updated?... shingles,
tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis whoopingcough
by Lauran Neergaard
Vaccine rates in adults low, CDC says
boston.com...vaccine_rates_in_adults_low_cdc_says/
Local information about where adults can get their vaccines updated or get vaccinated for shingles, tetanus, diphtheria, perussis whoopingcough Read more
The city Public Health Commission has started its own podcasts, called Health Click. The first 'cast features commission Executive Director John Auerbach talking about what public health is.
Citycast - Podcasts by Hizzonah.
Via White Coat Notes.
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