Zika: Holiday Travel? Pack Your Bug Spray
Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2016
As temperatures drop outside and holiday travel plans to warmer climates heat up, the Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds you that as Zika is being found in an increasing number of countries stopping a mosquito bite is still the best protection against the disease. Packing bug spray and clothing that protects against mosquito bites is as important as packing sunscreen and a bathing suit. Delaware now has 16 Zika cases, including one not previously announced in an adult male with travel back and forth to Puerto Rico. All cases were caused by mosquito bites while traveling abroad. All but one of the Delaware Zika cases are in adults and none is pregnant. Of the 16 Delaware cases, nine are in New Castle County, three are in Kent County and four are in Sussex counties.
The Secret to a Healthy Thanksgiving: It’s All About Balance!
Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Friday, November 18, 2016
Many of us look forward to our annual Thanksgiving feast. Who doesn’t like to over indulge in stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a selection of pies? But this annual tradition is the start of the holiday eating season which often leads to weight gain of a pound or more that often does not leave when the holidays do! So what can you do? The Division of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging everyone to make a healthy holiday plan now, that balances calorie intake with exercise.
DPH Seeking Dental Volunteers to Protect Children’s Teeth Through Seal-A-Smile Program
Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Wednesday, November 16, 2016
With children still munching their way through all of that Halloween candy and looking forward to holiday treats, that means higher sugar consumption which can impact the health of young teeth and even lead to cavities. Research shows dental sealants which shield the back teeth could prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in school-aged children. Yet according to a CDC report, about 60 percent of school children ages 6-11 years don’t get dental sealants. That’s why the Division of Public Health (DPH) is seeking dentists wishing to use their skills to help Delaware’s children in the Seal-A-Smile program which brings the dental office to local schools. Too many children still lack access to regular dental care. The program travels all across the state in the Mobile Dental Clinic, visiting elementary schools to provide preventive dental services to children who do not have dental homes.
Great American Smoke Out Set for Nov. 17, 2016: Get Ready, Set, Quit!
Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Wednesday, November 16, 2016
You’d like to quit smoking. You’ve been meaning to quit but you just haven’t picked a date yet. How about Thursday November 17, 2016? That’s the date set by the American Cancer Society for its Great American Smoke Out! The Division of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging you if you smoke, or you know someone who smokes, to use the date to create a quit smoking plan. By quitting, even for one day, smokers take an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their risk of cancer, lung disease, and heart disease.
Delaware Public Health: Flu Now Statewide
Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Monday, November 14, 2016
Today, Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) announced flu is officially confirmed in all three counties with new lab-confirmed cases in New Castle and Sussex counties. The first New Castle County cases include a 77-year-old woman who was discharged following a hospital stay, and a 64-year-old male. No deaths have been reported. The first Sussex case was an infant who is recovering at home. None of the new cases had records that they have received their flu vaccine this season. These cases join two other lab-confirmed cases in Kent County, 27-year-old and 39-year-old men.
