Showing posts with label Oregon Public Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oregon Public Health. Show all posts

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Health Dept. info line and website on Radiation

The Dept. of Health has set up an information line for people who have questions about the radiation and other issues from the Japan Nuclear accidents. The Number is 877-290-6767.

There is also a web page where you can find important current information on any monitoring of Oregon's exposure. The webpage is http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

New Website from Public Health

We are pleased to announce that the Oregon Public Health Division has launched its new website. The new website will allow us to better fulfill our key role of sharing health information. You will notice that the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) standards are applied to the websites.

The main Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness page is accessible at: http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness

Monday, March 14, 2011

Oregon Public Health web site link - KI pills are not necessary

There is NO NEED to take potasium iodide pills (KI) It is not necessary, not appropriate and is not safe!!! These pills are only used at the site of the accident. Also, people can overdose on these and they can be dangerous for pregnant women.

Do not worry! Nothing has been detected and there is no expectation of an contamination here.

Use this link for more information concerning the Japan nuclear issue and how it will not affect Oregon.

http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx

There are monitoring stations throughout the country.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Nuclear event in Japan poses no health risk in Oregon; state continues monitoring

STATEMENT FROM OREGON PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION DIRECTOR MEL KOHN, M.D., M.P.H. The Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program and the Radiation Protection Services are closely monitoring information on the radiation release reported in Japan after an explosion at a reactor site Saturday.

There have been no elevated radiation readings detected in Oregon and air samples remain normal. Given the current size of the release and the distance from Oregon, we do not expect that to change and there is no public health risk to the state. We are also in contact with our federal partners including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The Oregon state health department will continue its monitoring work as the situation in Japan develops and changes.

The EPA website also has good information in their live feed section.

Monday, December 14, 2009

H1N1 Vacine Message from the Oregon Public Health Division

Pandemic Communications
Message 7 – H1N1 Update


As of Dec. 11, 2009, 1274 confirmed hospitalizations and 63 deaths have occurred in Oregon, due to H1N1 flu. The Oregon Public Health Division continues to respond to the pandemic and provide leadership and resources for all Oregonians. Here’s what’s new.

Resources
Oregon’s flu hotline now has nurses available to give advice on exposure to the flu, prevention, symptoms, and deciding when to see a doctor. Please keep the number handy and share it with family, friends and clients. The number to call is 1-800-978-3040.

The Oregon Public Health Division recently updated its flu Web site with new posters that promote flu-free work environments. Feel free to post these materials in the common areas of your work unit. The posters appear in English and Spanish. Look for “flu-free” under the Employer Resources section of the following page: http://flu.oregon.gov/Pages/BusinessesandEmployers.aspx.

Vaccine Update
On Monday, Dec. 14, Oregon Public Health officials expanded the availability of the H1N1 vaccine to everyone. Dr. Mel Kohn, director of Oregon Public Health Division, recommends that everyone get vaccinated, especially people who may be at high risk for complications during the flu.

Cases of H1N1 flu have dropped off over the last few weeks, but there is a good possibility that additional waves of illness may occur over the next few months. Health officials continue to urge people to get vaccinated to prevent problems later this winter. Private healthcare providers, retail pharmacies and local public health clinics will receive the vaccine.

You can find public clinic locations for H1N1 vaccine at the following Web site or by calling the flu hotline, 1-800-978-3040: http://flu.oregon.gov/pages/vaccinelocations.aspx.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Call the Flu Holine Before you go to the doctor

Originally printed at http://www.kcby.com/news/health/70631457.html


These days, a simple fever raises questions: Do I have the H1N1 flu and if I do, should I go to the doctor?

Before you rush to the clinic or hospital, there's a simple call you can make. Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline (1-800-978-3040) now has nurses to talk to about symptoms, prevention advice, concerns about flu exposure, taking care of others and when to see a doctor.

"Most people recover from the flu on their own with rest and fluids. But sometimes it's helpful to talk to a medical professional to decide if you need to go to the doctor," says Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for the Oregon public health immunization program.

The Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline is one-stop shopping for all your flu concerns. Operators can tell callers about vaccine availability and answer many basic flu questions. The new feature connects callers with a nurse who can provide medical advice about both seasonal and H1N1 flu. These services are available throughout the state, in nearly any language, and the call is free. It could save you a trip to the doctor or emergency room, and ease crowding so that health care providers can help the people who need it more quickly.

"We want everyone in Oregon to get the best information and advice about the flu. And we want to make it easy for people to stay home when they're sick, unless they really need to see a doctor," says Cieslak. Oregon is one of the few states to offer this service.

The Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.