Here are some easy tips to help your family be better be prepared for a disaster or emergency as your kids head back to school:

1. The American College of Emergency Physicians urges parents to make sure their children’s schools
have children’s most recent information to ensure they receive prompt medical attention and do not
have to take the time to get parental consent or track down medical records.

• Complete a consent-to-treat form, and give copies to the school or daycare for them to keep in your child’s record and to take with them if your child goes to the emergency department. It is also a good idea to give copies to family members, friends or babysitters who may care for your child. Your child will always get lifesaving care in an emergency room, but the form, gives a physician permission to treat your child for less serious medical problems when he or she is in someone else’s care.
• Organize your child’s medical history records and update emergency medical contact information.  Phone numbers change often; make sure you update emergency contact information as needed.

2. Since your child will be out of your care for some period of the day it is important to go over basic safety information

• Review and do a “dry run” of your child’s route to school, explaining potential hazards along the way. This is a great opportunity to talk
  about safety rules for going to and from school.
• Make sure your children know how to use a telephone for help. Post emergency contact numbers by every phone in your home. Have them practice the information they will be asked if they call 911; name, address, and description of the problem.
• Develop a family emergency plan in case something happens on the way to, or while attending school. Make a set plan of a place to meet if home or school are not safe options.
• One of the most valuable emergency items you can buy costs less than a can of soda. Consider adding a whistle for each child to your back to school shopping list. A whistle’s sound will carry much further than a voice and it will last longer. Teach children to use the whistle when they are lost or in trouble, by using the following code to communicate: 1 blow for “Yes” 2 blows for “No” 3 blows for “S.O.S.”

3. One of the most effective things you can do to prevent your child from a disaster is to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations.

All students are required to be protected from polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella (chickenpox) to enter school. Most children need booster shots before they start kindergarten. Teens and adults also need vaccines to protect them from illnesses.

Make a “back-to-school” appointment for your children and teens. There are some new vaccines that might
be needed. Your doctor or provider can answer questions about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Bring
your shot record (yellow card) and ask if your child is up-to-date with the following vaccines:

• Tdap is a fairly new vaccine that is recommended for 11-12 year olds, and one dose is recommended for all adults in place of their next tetanus shot. It contains protection against pertussis (whooping cough) that adults and teens need. If you can’t remember the last time you had a tetanus shot, it’s probably time.

• Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all pre-teens 11-12. Students that are college bound should also be protected against this deadly disease.

• HPV is a new vaccine for women and girls 11-26 years of age. It protects against the Human Papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer.

• Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine booster dose might be needed. Most students had one dose of varicella to get into school. A second dose is needed. Adults that have not had a case of chicken pox would also benefit from this vaccine.

There are myths about the safety of vaccines. Unfortunately, these rumors can cause parents to delay vaccinating their children or
not protect them at all. This leaves children at risk for the serious preventable diseases that we still see in Monterey County. If you are concerned, talk to your health care provider or visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

The law does allow parents and guardians to choose an exemption from immunization requirements based on personal beliefs or for medical reasons. If you choose an exemption, make sure you know the signs and symptoms of these diseases and are prepared to keep your child home, possibly for many weeks, if an outbreak does occur.

**Information was taken from the “Back To School 2010″ Preparedness Minute” published by the Monterey County Health Department. To view the original publication please click here.

Monterey County Health Department officials are warning consumers not to eat Fruiti Pops 4 oz. Mamey frozen fruit bars due to a potential health risk from Salmonella.

Fruiti Pops, Inc. is recalling its Fruiti Pops 4 oz. Mamey frozen fruit bars due to a potential health risk from Salmonella typhi. No other flavors of Fruiti Pops fruit bars nor any other products produced by Fruiti Pops, Inc. are affected by this recall.

Consumers may have purchased the recalled product from retail locations, mobile vendors, vending machines, or distribution outlets. The product comes in clear polypropylene packaging and is not labeled with lot numbers nor expiration dates. The UPC of the recalled product is 763734000097.   Photo of the recalled product is attached.

The recalled fruit bars were distributed in the states of California, Arizona and Texas through distributorships

Fruiti Pops, Inc has issued this recall due to Goya Foods, Inc. recall of their 14 oz. frozen mamey pulp. As of May 2009, Fruiti Pops has used Goya Foods, Inc. frozen mamey pulp in its 4 oz. Mamey fruit bars.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with Fruiti Pops Mamey fruit bars.  However, illnesses have been reported in connection with Goya Foods Frozen Mamey Pulp

Advice to Consumers

Individuals who think they might have become ill from eating frozen mamey fruit pulp or “Fruiti Pops” brand Mamey Frozen Fruit Bars should consult their health care providers.

Consumers who have purchased Fruiti Pops 4 oz. Mamey fruit bars since May of 2009 can return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. If consumers have any questions regarding the recall can contact Fruiti Pops, Inc. at (562) 404-2568. Fruiti Pops, Inc. staff will be available Monday through Friday from the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. to answer your questions.

Mamey

Mamey, also called “zapote” or “sapote,” is a tropical fruit grown primarily in Central and South America. It is prepared by removing the inner seed and consuming the flesh raw, or adding it to milkshakes, jellies, or other foods or beverages. When preparing frozen mamey fruit pulp, it is peeled and mashed, and then consumed as a shake or smoothie. Frozen mamey fruit pulp can be purchased in grocery stores throughout the U.S., and packages have a 2-3 year shelf life.

Salmonella Typhi

Most persons infected with Salmonella Typhi develop high and sustained fever, headache, constipation, chills, and muscle pain 3 to 60 days after infection. In some cases, patients have stomach pains, loss of appetite or develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. Infection is usually diagnosed by a blood or stool culture. The illness can last from 3 to 4 weeks and infections may be severe or fatal if untreated. Consumers exhibiting these signs after eating affected products should contact their health care provider immediately.

The product has been potentially implicated in Salmonella Typhi infections

Monterey County health officials are advising the public of another recall of frozen mamey pulp. “La Nuestra” brand frozen mamey pulp in being recalled due to a potential health risk from Salmonella Typhi.

The recall was initiated after the company was notified by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control that the affected product is potentially implicated via a strong epidemiologic link to a recent outbreak of Typhoid Fever in several Western states.

The La Nuestra brand mamey pulp comes in a 14-ounce plastic package.  All packages of La Nuestra brand frozen mamey pulp are subject to this recall. The UPC is 7-56869-10008-4.

The recalled “La Nuestra” brand mamey pulp was distributed in five states including California through retail stores.

Advice to Consumers

Until further notice, do not eat or drink “La Nuestra” brand frozen mamey fruit pulp.

Individuals who think they might have become ill from eating frozen mamey fruit pulp should consult their health care providers.

Consumers who have purchased La Nuestra brand Mamey Pulp are urged to discard the product and contact Montalvan’s Sales, Inc.’s Consumer Affairs for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday through Friday between the hours of 8AM to 5PM, Pacific Daylight Time at (909) 930-5670.confirmed and 2 probable) and NV (4 confirmed).

Mamey

Mamey, also called “zapote” or “sapote,” is a tropical fruit grown primarily in Central and South America. It is prepared by removing the inner seed and consuming the flesh raw, or adding it to milkshakes, jellies, or other foods or beverages. When preparing frozen mamey fruit pulp, it is peeled and mashed, and then consumed as a shake or smoothie. Frozen mamey fruit pulp can be purchased in grocery stores throughout the U.S., and packages have a 2-3 year shelf life.

Salmonella Typhi

Most persons infected with Salmonella Typhi develop high and sustained fever, headache, constipation, chills, and muscle pain 3 to 60 days after infection. In some cases, patients have stomach pains, loss of appetite or develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. Infection is usually diagnosed by a blood or fecal culture. The illness can last from 3 to 4 weeks and infections may be severe or fatal if untreated. Consumers exhibiting these signs after eating affected products should contact their health care provider immediately.

American Humane Association has been protecting children and animals since 1877 and their own Lesley Ashworth will be coming to Monterey County to teach professionals in the community how child abuse, family violence and animal cruelty are connected and what we can do to break the cycle of violence.

You’re invited to Learn, Participate and Make a Difference By attending this informative community forum on The Link® September 14, 2010 from 2-5:00pm at the Marina Library: 190 Seaside Circle, Marina

Sponsored by Friends of County Animal Services (FoCAS), YWCA Monterey and SPCA Monterey County

Contact Melissa Wolf to reserve your seat at 831-769-8846 or Wolfml@co.monterey.ca.us ~

September 22, 2010 in Chico.

Nearly two and one half million grandparents in the United States, based on Census 2000, are heads of household with primary care giving responsibility for more than four and a half million children under age 18—their grandchildren.

This one-day solution-focused training offers a variety of information, resource sites, and programs to assist those working with grandparents raising grandchildren.  Special coping skills for handling family crisis involving three generations— grandparents, their children, and the grandchildren will be addressed.  For a variety of reasons, grandparents “come to the rescue”.

This training is designed to provide information for family support workers, teachers, differential response workers, and home visitors or case workers in public health, mental health, and drug and alcohol agencies.

REGISTER NOW BY CLICKING HERE

The following general categories of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will be covered:

• Custodian Grandparents
• “Living with” Grandparents
• “Daycare” Grandparents

The following challenges will be considered:

• Legal Considerations
• Financial
• Housing
• Health
• Schools
• Social Life

Continental breakfast, lunch, and materials included.

Strategies has message boards/forums available for further discussion on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. The forums are open to everyone. Our experienced trainers and specialists are available for your questions. Click here to share your experiences, thoughts, and fresh ideas.

The VNA/Mee Memorial Hospital Mobile van will be parked at the following locations:

11:00 am to 2:00 pm
VNA Medical Offices
5 Lower Ragsdale
Monterey CA, 93940

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Monterey County Health Department
1270 Natividad Rd
Salinas CA, 93906

If you can not make it to the public clinics, free or low cost vaccinations are available at walk-in clinics Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 11:00 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the following locations:

• Alisal Health Center,  559 East Alisal St, Salinas – 769-8870
• Seaside Family Health Center, 1150 Freemont Blvd, Seaside – 899-8100

Current vaccination recommendations

• Children should receive 5 doses of pertussis vaccine (DTaP) before kindergarten.
• Due to the epidemic status of pertussis, adolescents are recommended to receive a single dose of Tdap as young as seven years.
• There is no upper limit for adults who have not yet received a single dose of Tdap.
• There is no minimum interval for individuals who have received Td and need Tdap for pertussis coverage.
• It is very important for the following individuals to receive to prevent the spread of pertussis to those who are at high risk for severe pertussis.
  • Close contacts of infants
  • Healthcare workers

Monterey County pet owners are urged to check their cupboards.

The Procter & Gamble Company has expanded its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The following products are included:

The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada.  No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement.  A full listing of recalled pet foods is available on the US Food and Drug Administration’s website. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them.

Madonna Del Sasso Church
Parish Hall
320 East Laurel Drive
Salinas, cA 93906

For more information call:
Watsonville Law Center
(831) 722-2845

You will receive information on:

• Foreclosure options for homeowners
• Tax-consequence of foreclosure
• Free and low-cost resources
• Reporting fraud and avoiding “rescue” scams
• Finding resources for HUD-certified housing counseling, debt and credit counseling, bankruptcy, and emotional support.

Spanish translation will be provided.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.

Quong Hop & Co. initiated the recall of “Raquel’s” brand products after sampling conducted by California Department of Public Health (CDPH) detected Listeria monocytogenes in a processing plant. In addition to the bacteria concerns, an allergen, soy lecithin, is used in the production of hummus but it is not listed on the label.

Raquel’s products are packaged in a variety of sizes. The hummus has a product date of Sept. 23, 2010 and prior. Salads, wraps, sandwiches and other food items have product dates of Aug. 3, 2010 and prior. Raquel’s is distributed to supermarkets and natural food stores in several western states, including California.

View a complete list of recalled products here.

Consumers who purchased these products should immediately discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased. Anyone who handles these products should wash their hands thoroughly afterwards.

Consumers with questions can call Quong Hop at (650) 553-9900 extension 13.

Anyone with signs or symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as
serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.