News and Alerts 2008 Archive
Public Health news releases and health alerts will be posted to this page as they are released.
Posted: November 17, 2008
World AIDS Day, December 1, 2008
The Sonoma County Commission on AIDS and a coalition of HIV prevention agencies are planning a number of events during the days leading up to and after December 1st to increase awareness and educate the community about HIV and AIDS.
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Posted: October 6, 2008
16th Annual Latino Health Forum
We are excited and pleased to present the 16th Annual Latino Health Forum. Join us to explore the impact of cultural differences on patient-provider communication and health outcomes.
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Posted: September 29, 2008
The 2008-2009 Flu Season
Don't Get the Flu. Don't Spread the Flu. Get Vaccinated! Flu season is coming. Everybody needs a flu shot! There will be plenty of flu vaccine this year.
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Posted: September 10, 2008
2008 Positive Images of Breastfeeding Photo Contest
The photos in this slideshow were submitted for the 2008 "Positive Images of Breastfeeding" photo contest, and are featured in the 2009 breastfeeding calendar due out in November.
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Posted: August 25, 2008
Home-generated Sharps Banned From Waste Stream Beginning September 1st
On September 1, 2008, a new state law (SB 1305) goes into effect in California making it illegal to dispose of home-generated sharps waste in the trash, recycling, or green waste containers.
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Posted: July 8, 2008
Extreme Heat Warning
The National Weather Service has issued an "Extreme Heat Warning" for Sonoma and surrounding counties, predicting temperatures to rise into the high 90's over the next three days.
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Posted: June 24, 2008
Sonoma County Health Officer Issues Smoke Advisory
The recent series of fires in Napa and other surrounding counties has blanketed Sonoma County in a layer of visible smoke. While firefighters work round the clock to extinguish these fires, local health officials are issuing a "Smoke Advisory" to alert the public about the hazards of smoke and steps they can take to protect themselves.
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Posted June 20, 2008
California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers not to Eat Qi Cai Bang Candy Imported from China
Source: California Department of Public Health Newsroom.
Posted June 20, 2008
California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers not to Eat Qi Cai Bang Candy Imported from China
Source: California Department of Public Health Newsroom.
Posted: June 6, 2008
Sonoma County Breastfeeding Coalition Publishes Counseling Guidelines
The Sonoma County Breastfeeding Coalition, in collaboration with the Sonoma County Perinatal Alcohol and Other Drug Action Team, the Drug Free Babies program, and the Public Health Division of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, has published breastfeeding guidelines for practitioners who work with infants and childbearing women.
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Posted: June 6, 2008
Socioeconomic Status and Health: Improving the Health of Sonoma County Residents
Who suffers from poorer health and greater premature mortality? How do these differences come about? What can be done to eliminate these health disparities? Where people stand on the social ladder shapes multiple aspects of their lives in ways that affect their health and well-being.
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Posted: May 19, 2008
Sonoma County Health Facilities "Gear Up" to Conduct Pandemic Flu Disaster Drill
On Tuesday morning, Sonoma County hospitals, clinics and skilled nursing facilities will be donning specialized equipment to practice the use of personal protective equipment and testing emergency communication systems as part of a county-wide preparedness exercise.
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Posted: May 16, 2008
Extreme Heat Precautions
As the first heat wave hits Sonoma County this week, public health officials are urging Sonoma County residents to take precautions to prevent adverse effects of extreme heat - sustained high temperatures lasting more than three days with elevated overnight temperatures.
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Posted: May 14, 2008
Be Prepared for the Summer Heat
The heat wave of July 2006 caused at least 136 deaths in California over a 13-day period. Even in Sonoma County, temperatures reached dangerous levels for several days.
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Posted: May 5, 2008
National Association of Counties Prescription Drug Discount Card Program Available in Sonoma County - May 7th
Sonoma County has joined with NACo, the National Association of Counties to bring the NACo prescription drug discount program to our community. NaCo, in parthership with CVS/Caremark Rx, offers this program to more than 900 participating counties nationwide.
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Posted April 23, 2008
California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Chaca Chaca Chacatrozo Candy Imported From Mexico (en español)
Source: California Department of Public Health Newsroom.
Posted April 23, 2008
Consumers Warned Not To Chew The Gum Contained In Dulces Yosi Megapack Imported From Mexico (en español)
Source: California Department of Public Health Newsroom.
Posted: April 19, 2008
National Infant Immunization Week is April 19-26, 2008
National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance emphasizing the need to fully immunization children ages 2 and younger against vaccine-preventable diseases. This year, California is encouraging infant and toddler immunizations with the theme, "Immunizations: Stay on track for a lifetime of good health."
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Posted: April 9, 2008
Community Celebrates Public Health Week and Accomplishments of Local Champions
Public Health Week is celebrated nationally each year to inform the community about the vital ways in which individuals and organizations can protect and promote the health of the public. This year's theme is Climate Change: Our Health in the Balance.
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Posted: March 28, 2008
Ground-breaking PBS Series Explores Causes, Seeks Solutions to America's Health Crisis
Over the next two months, an extraordinary PBS documentary series will explore how economic status, social conditions and race profoundly affect health, disease burden and life expectancy.
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Posted: March 7, 2008
Nominations for Public Health Champions
National Public Health Week will be celebrated April 7-13 this year. This national celebration provides us with the occasion to recognize the contributions of public health to the nation's well-being as well as focus public attention on major health issues in our communities. Our local celebration will include spotlighting local Public Health Champions - individuals whom we honor for their outstanding accomplishments in promoting the health of Sonoma County.
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Posted: January 31, 2008
Sonoma County 10th Annual Photography Contest for Positive Images of Breastfeeding
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, 2008, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services is sponsoring the 10th annual "Positive Images of Breastfeeding" photography contest.
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Posted: January 22, 2008
Smoke-free Cars with Minors Law
On January 1, California's new "Smoke-free Cars with Minors" law took effect which prohibits smoking in cars when youth under 18 years old are present, giving California the most comprehensive smoke-free car law in the nation.
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Posted: January 18, 2008
Public Health Official Reminds Parents and Health Care Providers: Shots Aren't Just for Babies
Preteen Vaccine Week is January 20-26, 2008 and serves as a reminder for parents and health care providers of the importance of immunizations and regular doctor visits for 11- and 12-year-olds.
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Posted: January 9, 2008
National Folic Acid Awareness Week
The National Council on Folic Acid (NCFA) is celebrating National Folic Acid Awareness Week, January 7 - 13, 2008. The focus is on general nutrition and overall health, and making people aware of the importance of folic acid in the diet and its many lifelong benefits.
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