DOVER – Cemeteries hold the remains of treasured members of our families, and may hold historical significance as well. Many small and older cemeteries lack sufficient funds for long-term care and maintenance because owners never established a perpetual care fund, or the prices they charged have not kept up with actual costs. Efforts to restore those that fall into disrepair can become costly. That’s why the Distressed Cemetery Fund was established in 2009. The Fund exists to provide for the preservation of cemeteries by supporting repair and improvement projects that are outside normal maintenance activities.

The Delaware Cemetery Board’s purpose is to register Delaware cemeteries, administer the Distressed Cemetery Fund, and refer complaints from the public to the appropriate agency. All theft or vandalism should immediately be reported to the local police. The Board refers complaints to the police, Delaware Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Agency, or the Better Business Bureau.

To date the Delaware Cemetery Board has awarded $120,169 in funding to 13 cemeteries (four of the thirteen cemeteries received funding twice making a total of 17 awards). The maximum amount available from the Fund to each cemetery is $10,000 every two years but a financial assistance request must be matched with real dollars and/or documented volunteer hours. Awards have been used to repair tombstones/monuments, repair or replace fences/stonewalls/gates, landscaping, remove trees and brush, purchase or repair lawn equipment, purchase sheds, topsoil and seeding, conducting of perimeter surveys and plot plans.

The Distressed Cemetery Fund is funded by adding $2.00 to the fee established for each copy of a certificate of death. Individuals and organizations may also make contributions or bequests to the Fund.

The next Delaware Cemetery Board meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 9, 2015 in the Dover Library, Meeting Room B (1st floor). The Board will set its 2016 meeting dates and an Executive Session will be held to discuss two applications for Distressed Cemetery Fund monies.

The five members of the Delaware Cemetery Board are appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, with administrative support provided by the Division of Public Health. In addition to administering the Fund, the Cemetery Board is authorized to: Promulgate rules and regulations for the registration of cemeteries; Designate a cemetery as “distressed” based on standards set forth in the rules and regulations; Authorize payment to a distressed cemetery from the Fund; Require a thorough accounting of each recipient’s use of money from the Fund; Receive and forward to appropriate agencies of the State, or other organizations, complaints from any person relating to a Delaware cemetery; and Address specific cemetery issues as requested by the Governor or the General Assembly.

Registration is required for all cemeteries in Delaware every five years. To learn about registering a cemetery, or for more information on the Distressed Cemetery Fund visit the Delaware Cemetery Board website.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER,  – The Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) has selected Chester County SPCA (CCSPCA) for animal sheltering services in support of the state animal control enforcement unit starting on Jan. 1, 2016. The agreement is a three-year agreement that may be renewed for up to two additional years. CCSPCA will provide services at a permanent facility located in New Castle County and satellite facilities in Kent and Sussex counties, ensuring that all Delaware animals will stay in the state for care and adoption.

The Office of Animal Welfare solicited animal sheltering bids as part of a plan to launch the second phase of Delaware Animal Services (DAS), the State’s first animal control enforcement unit. During the first phase, launched in mid-September, DAS officers began enforcing all animal cruelty and complaints concerning humans exposed to the rabies virus. Starting in January, DAS will also handle all animal control complaints, including stray dogs and seriously injured or endangered cats.

Chester County SPCA, which has been providing temporary animal control services for the City of Wilmington and Kent County, as well as emergency cruelty sheltering services for the state since September when the previous provider suddenly ended services, is expanding its Delaware-based operation, including new job opportunities in the state, to accommodate the new sheltering agreement.  CCSPCA has also built strong partnerships with other local animal shelters and rescue groups, which currently work with the CCSPCA to find placement for stray animals and have hosted joint vaccine clinic events.

“The CCSPCA has a solid reputation for delivering progressive and innovative programs to rehabilitate and rehome stray and abused animals, which is a population of animals with a unique set of needs,” says Hetti Brown, director of the Office of Animal Welfare. “The organization also prevents animal homelessness through pet owner counseling and the delivery of compassionate resources. This is the key to ensuring every healthy and treatable animal has a home in Delaware.”

CCSPCA is the only open admission shelter in Pennsylvania that does not euthanize healthy or treatable animals, and it will bring that same experience to Delaware. “We are a proud partner of the Office of Animal Welfare in the collective goal of aiding the most vulnerable animals in Delaware,” says Chester County SCPA Executive Director Adam Lamb. “We are also excited to continue to be part of a community so dedicated to the advancement of animal welfare.”

Under the new agreement, stray animals will be housed at convenient locations in the state so their owners have a chance to recover their pets. Animals that are not recovered, or animals that are the victims of animal cruelty, will be placed into the rehabilitation or adoption programs at the CCSPCA New Castle location, or transferred to one of their Delaware-based shelter or rescue partners for foster or adoption at other facilities, serving as a statewide network for animals.

The services outlined in the contract are for stray and abused animals.  Through the contract, the CCSPCA will provide all medical and sheltering, rabies quarantine, and adoption services for animals retrieved by DAS.  The contract also includes requirements for programs to minimize stress levels, address social and exercise needs, and reporting requirements.

The contract will cost a total of $6,514,500 over three years; including:

• ​$2,150,000 for year one costs
• $2,150,000 for year two costs
• $2,214,500 for year three costs

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2016, citizens wishing to report stray animals may do so through the Delaware Animal Services hotline at 302-255-4646. The DAS hotline is currently accepting calls concerning animal cruelty and rabies exposure to a human.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – As cold and flu season begins, many people will visit their health care provider and hope to be prescribed antibiotics to ease their symptoms. However, antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viruses like the cold and flu. In fact, up to 50 percent of all the antibiotics prescribed for people are not needed or are not optimally effective as prescribed. Misuse and overuse is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world.

Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. That’s why the Division of Public Health (DPH) is observing Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, Nov. 16 – 22, 2015. Get Smart About Antibiotics Week is an annual effort to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use.

“Antibiotics are the most important tool we have to combat life-threatening bacterial diseases, but misusing them can result in dangerous side effects,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director. “Patients, health care providers, and hospital administrators must work together to use effective strategies for improving antibiotic use which ultimately improves medical care and saves lives.” Each year more than two million people in the United States get infections that are resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die as a result, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Antibiotic overuse increases the development of drug-resistant germs. Every time a person takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply. Repeated and improper use of antibiotics threatens the usefulness of these important drugs. When antibiotics do not work, infections often last longer, cause more severe illness, require more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and involve more expensive and potentially toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death.

Antibiotic resistance in children is of particular concern because they have the highest rates of antibiotic use and often have fewer drug choices since some antibiotics cannot be safely given to children. The CDC says antibiotics cause one out of five emergency department visits for adverse drug events (ADEs. Antibiotics are the most frequent cause of ADEs in children.

Antibiotic resistance is also of concern to residents of long-term care facilities. Overuse of antibiotics creates an unnecessary risk for adverse drug events, such as Clostridium difficile infection, a sometimes deadly diarrhea.

Everyone has a hand in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance. DPH offers the following tips:

• Parents should ask their health care provider what is the best course of treatment for a child’s illness. In some cases it is better to treat the symptoms than use an antibiotic.
• Parents should also consult with their child’s pediatrician to ensure that any antibiotic prescribed is the best type to address the child’s illness.
• Health care providers are encouraged to avoid treating viral syndromes with antibiotics, even when patients ask for them.
• Health care providers should pay attention to dose and duration: The right antibiotic needs to be prescribed at the right dose for the right duration.
• Health care providers should be aware of antibiotic-resistance patterns in your area so that you can always choose the right antibiotic.
• Hospital and nursing home providers should reassess within 48 hours of starting antibiotics, when the patient’s culture results come back and adjust the prescription if necessary. Stop the prescription, if indicated.
• Health care providers should practice good hand hygiene and other infection control measures with every patient.

For more information about Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/2014/dpk-antibiotics-week.html.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are some of our favorite things to eat for Thanksgiving meals. Our favorite foods however aren’t always the healthiest, especially when we overindulge. This Thanksgiving, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) wants everyone to enjoy their holiday meal, but recommends some small changes that can make this a healthier start to your holiday season.

• Go easy on your portions. Know what a serving of each item is and stick to it. As tempting as it is, skip going back for a second round.
• Incorporate healthier food choices into the meal. Make sure you have a variety of salads, and high protein foods available to balance out the carb heavy dishes.
• If serving appetizers, serve fruit or vegetable trays, salsa or low-fat dips.
• Cook using non-stick pans and skillets, to reduce or eliminate using oil when cooking.
• Cut back on sugar, salt and fat as you are cooking. Use herbs and spices instead or look for healthier substitutes such as:
  o Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy;
  o Use sugar substitutes in place of sugar and/or fruit purees instead of oil in baked goods;
  o Try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
• Make water your drink of choice. Drinking plenty of water helps stomachs feel full, while drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can dehydrate you.

DPH also recommends incorporating some physical activity to your Thanksgiving Day activities. Start a new holiday tradition by going for a family walk or run in the morning before the craziness of food preparation sets in, or take a walk after dinner instead of lying on the couch to watch football after a heavy meal. Other suggestions include playing outdoor games like flag football, soccer, basketball or anything else that gets your heart rate going.

“Make your family and friends the focus of the Thanksgiving holiday, as opposed to the food,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. “Making healthier food choices and increasing your physical activity reduces the risk for chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, while improving mental health and wellness.”

For fun and easy physical activity ideas, visit www.getupanddosomething.org. For more information on healthy eating options, visit DPH’s 5-2-1 Almost None campaign webpage.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Dover – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports the state’s first Sussex County laboratory-confirmed case of influenza for the 2015-2016 flu season. The case involves a 61-year-old Sussex County woman who is recovering at home after a visit to the emergency room. There are two main types of influenza (flu) virus – types A and B – that routinely spread in people and are responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks each year. Sussex County’s first case is strain B.

“Flu is now confirmed statewide,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. “And, past experience shows that the number of lab- confirmed cases is smaller than the actual number of cases out there. Flu is here to stay this season and it’s a good time to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, and wash your hands frequently.”

Added Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf, “Sussex County was hit hard early in last year’s flu season, and almost all of those initial cases were infants, children, and young adults. Now is the time to protect your family and loved ones before flu cases increase.”

DPH urges all Delawareans 6 months of age and older who have not yet been vaccinated against the flu to get a vaccination as soon as possible. The flu is easy to transmit and you can get it from healthy – but unvaccinated – children and adults. That’s why DPH’s “Get It” campaign especially encourages healthy 19- to 49-year-olds – who often skip the flu shot – to get vaccinated. The vaccine is readily available through medical providers, pharmacies, and some grocery stores. For a complete listing of DPH flu clinic scheduled this season, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/fluclinics.html.

Flu vaccination reduces the risk of getting sick from the flu or spreading the disease to others. It is especially important that the following groups get flu shots:
• Pregnant women and their household contacts;
• Caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months, since those children are too young to receive the vaccine;
• Seniors;
• Those with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems;
• Health care providers.

Delawareans are also encouraged to prevent infection by taking simple everyday measures such as washing hands, using hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home when sick. These efforts help stop the spread of respiratory illnesses including flu.

Flu symptoms come on suddenly, and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, and fatigue. Some people get complications including pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. Providers can prescribe antiviral medicines to make illness milder, hasten recovery, and prevent serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death.

Beginning in October each year, DPH monitors the occurrence of influenza-like illness in hospitals, selected long-term care facilities and medical clinics to track flu trends in the state. During the 2014-2015 flu season, there were 28 flu-related deaths and 2,390 confirmed cases of influenza in Delaware, a significant increase in activity from the prior flu season.

Delaware has a total of 5 lab-confirmed cases for 2015-2016 to date; two in New Castle County, two in Kent County and one in Sussex County.

For more information on influenza prevention, diagnosis and treatment, call the Division of Public Health at 888-282-8672 or visit flu.delaware.gov.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit delawarerelay.com. Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.