http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/ Current press releases from the Tulsa Health Departmenten-us Thu, 17 Nov 2005 10:50:32 AMWed, 07 May 2008 11:19:16 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1457(Tulsa, OK) –Hundreds of thousands of teens nationwide are expected to participate in the seventh annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy on May 7, 2008.  The purpose of the National Day is to focus the attention of teens on the importance of avoiding too-early pregnancy and parenthood. The Tulsa Health Department is encouraging local teens to take part in the national observance by visiting the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy's new teen website -- http://www.stayteen.org/ -- and take a short, scenario-based "quiz" that asks young people what they would do in a number of sexual situations. Nearly 400 teen births occurred in Tulsa County in 2006 (the most recent data available). Oklahoma as a state has the 7th highest teen pregnancy birth rate in the nation. In 2006, 79.7% of births in Oklahoma were to unmarried females ages 19 and younger. “Data demonstrates that children born to a teen mother are at an increased risk of poor health outcomes and an uncertain future. It is our hope that by raising awareness of the unhealthy consequences of teen pregnancies and unplanned young adult pregnancies, we can reduce the number of teen parents in our community.” stated Pam Rask, Manager, Health Education.   Organized by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, the National Day has widespread support. More than 230 national organizations and media outlets serve as official National Day partners by promoting the online quiz. The message of the National Day is straightforward: Sex has consequences.  The online quiz (available in English and Spanish) delivers this message directly to teens and challenges them to think carefully about what they might do "in the moment." Support for the National Day: National Day partners include a diverse group of over 230 media outlets, teen websites, health sector leaders, education leaders, businesses, youth-serving groups, groups representing elected officials, fatherhood and male involvement groups, faith-based groups, and other prominent national organizations. For a full list of National Day partners and to learn how you can support the National Day, please visit,http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/national/default.aspx. For more information locally please contact Melanie Christian at 918-595-4402. ###  Wed, 07 May 2008 11:17:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1453(Tulsa,OK) Over 500 cyclists from across the state and region will descend upon downtown Tulsa Saturday, May 3rd to participate in the 21st annual Tour de Tulsa charity bike ride. The cyclists will begin their ride at the River West Festival Park located on the west bank of the Arkansas River between 23rd and Southwest Boulevard on Jackson at 8:00 a.m. Cyclists will be completing either 10, 30, 50, 60, or 100 mile routes. Over 50 volunteers will be working rest stops along the routes serving fruit, power bars, water, and Gatorade. Live entertainment will be provided by Swing Shift from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Proceeds from the Tour de Tulsa benefit the Community Health Foundation. The Community Health Foundation is a non-profit public charity that supports local public health initiatives such as childhood obesity prevention, child development, and other health prevention efforts. Tour de Tulsa 2008 is sponsored by the Tulsa Bicycle Club, St. John Health System, Tom's Rivertrail Bicycles, Tulsa Health Department, Subway, Urban Tulsa Weekly, Lee's Bicycles, and QuikTrip. For more information contact Melanie Christian at 918-595-4402. ##  Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:36:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1314(Tulsa, OK) Tulsa Health Department officials are emphasizing the need for area residents to obtain flu shots after two cases were confirmed in Tulsa County. Flu in Oklahoma typically begins in December, peaks in February and ends in March; however, a long flu season can have cases through May. "Getting a flu shot now can still provide substantial protection against influenza and will help contain the spread of flu in our community." stated Tulsa Health Department Director Gary Cox. Although it normally takes about 10 to 14 days to reach full immunity from influenza after getting a flu shot, some immunity does begin shortly after getting the vaccination. A nasal flu vaccine called FluMist®, can provide more rapid immunity -within three to four days- for healthy persons between 2 and 49 years old. Flu vaccinations are available free of charge at area Tulsa Health Department locations for individuals over the age of six months. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. In addition to emphasizing the importance of influenza vaccinations, the Tulsa Health Department has partnered for three years with Hillcrest Medical Center and local media partners to promote ways residents can avoid the flu and other respiratory viruses through their Don't Bug Me campaign. The Don't Bug Me campaign encourages frequent handwashing for a full 20 seconds, covering your cough with either a tissue or by coughing into the elbow, and avoiding contact with those who are sick. Don't Bug Me campaign materials are distributed to nearly 300 Tulsa County schools, area childcare providers and private businesses. Workplace posters and other campaign materials are available free of charge to the public while supplies last.   The symptoms of influenza start suddenly and typically include a fever of 100° F or higher, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, extreme tiredness, and body aches. Most people with influenza will recover completely in one to two weeks; however, some persons may develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia. Influenza is the 8th leading cause of death in Tulsa County. For a full listing of free flu vaccination sites and information on the Don't Bug Me flu prevention campaign, visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at www.tulsa-health.org or call the flu information line at 918-595-4500.   ##Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:41:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1051Local emergency response officials along with the Tulsa Health Department offer the following recommendations for cold weather situations.Water SafetyIf you are using water that you think might not be safe to drink or prepare food, you should attempt to vigorously boil the water for at least two minutes to prevent potential waterborne illnesses. Safe water would include store-bought bottled water, or uninterrupted city water.  Don't skate, slide, or sled on frozen ponds, creeks, rivers, or lakes. Although the water appears to be frozen, it may not be solid enough to support the weight of a person. Temperatures in Oklahoma typically do not get cold enough to completely freeze recreational water.Food SafetyPower outages present problems with food safety as well as with heating. If people at home or those in food establishments have had a loss of power for more than four hours, take the following precautions with refrigerated food products:Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.Discard any potentially hazardous foods such as meats, eggs, dairy products and leftovers that may have exceeded 41 degrees Fahrenheit.  When in doubt, throw it out.  Frozen foods in a freezer can normally be kept up to 48 hours without power.  Again, the 41 degrees Fahrenheit rule applies. A frozen product that has thawed should not be refrozen-it should be used immediately or disposed of. Thawed foods that have not reached 41 degrees Fahrenheit can be cooked and consumed.  Eat and Drink Wisely & Avoid AlcoholEating high-energy, well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic beverages -- they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages such as hot chocolate or sweetened coffee or tea to help maintain your body temperature. If you have any dietary restrictions, ask your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.  Heating Safety When temperatures fall and power goes out, the possibility of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning rises as people try to stay warm. Invisible, odorless and tasteless, CO is a highly poisonous gas produced by the burning of fuel such as gasoline, natural gas, kerosene, charcoal or wood.  Unvented or faulty gas and kerosene appliances have the greatest potential to produce dangerous levels of CO in a home. Smoldering or poorly vented fireplaces, slow-burning fuels such as charcoal and vehicle exhausts also are potential indoor hazards. Take these precautions:Look at the color of the flame. A hot blue flame produces less CO and more heat than a flickering yellow flame. If you see yellow flames in your furnace or stove burner, it should be adjusted so that the flame is blue.Don't use an unvented gas or kerosene heater in closed spaces, especially sleeping areas.Don't use gas appliances such as an oven, range or clothes dryer to heat your home. Don't burn charcoal inside a house, garage, vehicle or tent for heating or cooking, even in a fireplace.Look for CO exposure symptoms including headache, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting that can progress to disorientation, coma, convulsions and death.If you suspect CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances, and go outside for fresh air. Call 9-1-1 emergency medical services in severe cases.To prevent residential fires, make sure that heaters, stoves, and fireplaces are at least three feet from anything that burns. Use screens in front of fireplaces, and do not leave children alone with space heaters. Never leave candles burning when you are not at home or while you are sleeping. If a heater uses fuel like propane or kerosene, use only that kind of fuel and add more fuel only when the heater is cool. Store all fuels outside in closed metal containers.Sewage IssuesIf power outages are experienced in city utilities, be aware of the potential for sewage to back up into your home.  If you do experience sewage problems remember that exposure to raw sewage can cause several infectious diseases.  Try to avoid direct contact with sewage, and practice good hand washing and personal hygiene following contact.Respiratory DiseasesRespiratory disease can be a significant problem when people stay together in crowded conditions.  To help prevent respiratory disease, be sure to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and use good personal hygiene and thorough hand-washing practices to further reduce risk of transmission. Extreme Cold ExposureProlonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, or in extreme cases, death. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible to extreme cold.  Frostbite occurs when the skin becomes cold enough to actually freeze. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the nose are symptoms of frostbite.  Hypothermia (low body temperature) can occur during longer periods of exposure when the body temperature drops below 95 F. A person will become disoriented, confused, and shiver uncontrollably, eventually leading to drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. In severe cases, death is possible. The following tips can help decrease the risk of cold exposure:  Wear layered clothing outdoors for better protection from the cold. Wear a cap to prevent rapid heat loss from an uncovered head. Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.While indoors, try to keep at least one room heated to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially important for the elderly and small children to prevent hypothermia.Sleep warm with extra blankets, a warm cap, socks and layered clothing. Avoid fatigue and exhaustion during cold weather. Overexertion, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can strain your heart. Carry extra clothing, blankets and high energy snacks, such as cereal or candy bars in your car for protection if car stalls. Keep the gas tank near full to prevent icing. Don't travel alone. Check daily on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors who live alone. The elderly and very young should stay indoors as much as possible. Offer to shop for elderly friends and relatives. Just like in the summer with heat, it takes some time to get acclimated to cold weather. For more information on winter weather precautions, visit this Web site: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp. ##Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1289November 26th - December 2nd is National Influenza Immunization Week. With the influenza virus already circulating in Oklahoma, now is a good time for individuals who wish to protect themselves with influenza vaccine to do so. The Tulsa Health Department is offering free flu vaccinations at their area clinics. The following locations are currently offering free flu vaccinations to individuals over the age of 6 months on a walk-in basis:Central Regional Health Center315 South Utica8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. FridayExpo Square Health Center4616 East 15th Street8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. FridayJames O. Goodwin Health Center5051 S. 129th E. Avenue8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. FridayThe following locations are currently offering free flu vaccinations to individuals over the age of 6 months by appointment:Collinsville Health Center located at 1201 West Center in Collinsville. Flu shots will be administered Monday - Friday. Please call 596-8650 to schedule an appointment. Sand Springs Health Center located at 306 East Broadway in Sand Springs. Flu shots will be administered Monday - Friday. Please call 591-6100 to schedule an appointment. Bixby Health Center located at 8120 East 126th Street in Bixby will offer free flu shots on Tuesdays by appointment only. Please call 369-3155 to schedule an appointment.The Tulsa Health Department will be able to provide over 25,000 free flu vaccinations for the 2007-08 influenza season. Healthy individuals between the ages of 2-49 will have the added option of receiving a free nasal-spray flu vaccine if they choose. All individuals over the age of six months who want to protect themselves from the flu are encouraged to get a flu shot this year, however, certain groups are at higher risk of having complications from the flu. They are: • persons aged 50 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions • residents of long-term care facilities • persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions• children aged 6-59 months• pregnant women• health-care personnel who provide direct patient care• household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged 6 months or younger## Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:13:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1268Tulsa Health Department officials announced that over 3,500 free flu shots were administered during the test of their emergency response plan on Saturday. The five hour event was held at ORU Mabee Center and Tulsa Community College West campus."This is the fourth year the Tulsa Health Department has tested its emergency response plan in a drive-thru flu clinic setting. We further tested our capabilities by operating a walk-in clinic at the same time. I am extremely proud of our staff, volunteers, and first responder partners for their hard work in making the event a success.” stated Chief Operating Officer Dr. Gary Woodruff. Free flu shots are being offered at area Tulsa Health Department clinics. For more information, please call the flu information line at 918-595-4500 or visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at www.tulsa-health.org. ## Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:33:00 PM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1265Tulsa Health Department officials will offer free flu shots as part of a test of their emergency response plan on Saturday, November 3rd from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at two locations. A drive-thru clinic for adults 18 and over will be held at Oral Roberts University Mabee Center located at 7777 S. Lewis Avenue in Tulsa. Additionally, a walk-in clinic for children over six months of age and adults will be held at Tulsa Community College West campus located at 7505 W. 41st Street in Tulsa. "Administering flu vaccinations is a great way for our staff to test their emergency response capabilities. In the event of a public health emergency such as smallpox where mass immunizations would be required, the Tulsa Health Department staff is responsible for getting as many people as possible immunized as quickly as possible. We pride ourselves on continually improving the process of getting a large amount of citizens vaccinated very quickly. "stated Tulsa Health Department Director Gary Cox. Tulsa Health Department officials will be analyzing the clinics to learn how fast people are getting through and identify any inefficiencies that might slow down the process. "Something important that we learned during our drive-thru flu clinics in previous years is to inform the public to wear short sleeves for easier access to the injection site on the arm, leave pets at home, and bring an ink pen to fill out your registration form. Those few steps can save a lot of time when you are immunizing large amounts of people." added Director Gary Cox. Free flu shots are being offered at area Tulsa Health Department clinics. The public is encouraged to call the flu information line at 918-595-4500 or visit www.tulsa-health.org for a complete listing of free flu shot clinic locations. ## Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:20:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1250Patrick Reynolds, grandson of tobacco company founder RJ Reynolds will be a keynote speaker at the Prevention Health Conference in Tulsa on Wednesday, September 26th. Mr. Reynolds will be available to the media before and after his 12:15 speaking engagement at the conference being held at the Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills located at 1902 E. 71st Street in Tulsa. To schedule an interview please contact Melanie Christian at 918-693-7436.Mr. Reynolds' advocacy work, motivational talks to youth and appearances in the national press have made him a well known and respected champion of a smokefree society. He has helped remind millions of people of the dangers of smoking. A grandson of tobacco company founder RJ Reynolds, Patrick watched his father, RJ Reynolds, Jr., his oldest brother RJ Reynolds, III, and other members of his family die from cigarettte-induced emphysema and lung cancer. Concerned about the mounting health evidence, in 1986 he made the decision to speak out against the industry his family helped build. He became the first tobacco industry figure to do so. In 1988, the UN's World Health Organization honored him with a special award. In 1989, Mr. Reynolds founded the Foundation for a Smokefree America, a nonprofit group whose mission is to motivate youth to stay tobacco free, and to empower smokers to quit successfully. ## Tue, 25 Sep 2007 06:35:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1227Tulsa Health Department officials have confirmed that mosquitoes in Tulsa County have begun to test positive for West Nile virus. The Tulsa Health Department operates a mosquito surveillance program using mosquito traps in various locations throughout Tulsa County in order to confirm when West Nile virus is present in the community."We know that West Nile virus is a seasonal threat and we encourage the community to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites." stated Tulsa Health Department Director Gary Cox.The Tulsa Health Department (THD) wants to remind the public to take precautions against West Nile virus (WNV). The months of July through October are the highest risk months for exposure to WNV in Oklahoma. In 2006 there were 31 human cases of West Nile virus and one death. WNV is transmitted in Oklahoma primarily by Culex mosquitoes. These mosquitoes pick up the virus when they feed on infected birds, and then transmit the virus when they bite humans, horses and some other mammals. Symptoms of West Nile disease include fever, intense headache, extreme tiredness, muscle weakness, and dizziness. To protect against mosquitoes, the Tulsa Health Department suggests that you remember the "4 D's of Defense" prevention tips. They include the following:• Dusk and dawn - Avoid outdoor activities during these prime times for mosquito activity. • Dress - Wear long pants and long sleeves when outside to cover the skin. • DEET - Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) when outdoors and reapply according to directions. • Drain - Drain those items that collect standing water around your home, yard or business. Scrub and refill pet water dishes and bird baths regularly. The Tulsa Health Department also works to control mosquito populations during the spring and summer. In a typical mosquito season, THD sprays over 800 square miles for adult mosquitoes. To place a complaint about mosquitoes in your area, please call 918-595-4219. Additionally, THD helps the Oklahoma State Department of Health monitor incidences of the virus through the West Nile Virus Surveillance Program. This program tests mosquitoes for the virus. You can help by reporting to THD if you see a dead bird of the following types: crows, blue jays, cardinals, hawks, owls or eagles. To report a sighting of one of these types of dead birds, please call 918-595-4344. While birds are no longer being tested, THD will record dead bird sightings.For more information about West Nile virus prevention, visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at http://www.tulsa-health.org. ## Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:25:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=1221(Tulsa, OK) In observance of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), the Tulsa Health Department's Women, Infants & Children (WIC) nutrition program will host a reception for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The event will be held at the Tulsa Health Department's James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK on Friday, August 3, 2007 from 2-4 PM. In previous years approximately 80 mothers have participated in the event. Guest speaker and lactation consultant Ann Wade will be speaking about the benefits of skin-to-skin, which is the theme for World Breastfeeding Week. Following the talk there will be a Q&A session for mothers, door prizes (breastfeeding promotional items) will be given away, and cake and punch will be served. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend that newborns should be placed skin-to-skin with their mothers immediately after delivery. Skin-to-skin is when babies are placed belly-down, directly on their mother’s chest after birth. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), or skin-to-skin, is an effective way to meet baby’s needs for warmth, breastfeeding, stimulation, safety, protection from infection, and love. Some of the many benefits for mothers and babies when early skin-to-skin contact is initiated include:• It encourages early initiation of breastfeeding. • It helps moms to breastfeed longer and be more successful with breastfeeding.• It helps mothers and babies bond with one another.• Babies stay warm.• Babies cry less.• Babies have more stable blood sugars. • Babies have more stable breathing rates. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 66.7% of Oklahoma mothers initiate breastfeeding, which falls short of the Healthy People 2010 goal of a 75% breastfeeding initiation rate. Oklahoma is also behind when it comes to the length of time that women breastfeed their children. An average of 25.8 percent of Oklahoma women are breastfeeding at six months and only 11.8 percent are breastfeeding at 12 months post-partum, which is below the Healthy People 2010 goals of 50 percent breastfeeding at 6 months, and 25 percent breastfeeding at 12 months, respectively. Whether a woman has her baby in a hospital, at a birthing center, or at home, research shows that it is best for her to be with her baby as much as possible. Nurses, in collaboration with other health professionals, are in a unique position to adjust practices and policies to allow for skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, thereby improving the birth experience for both parents and newborns.For more information about skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, contact Diane Lay at the Tulsa Health Department at 918-594-4834. ### Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:05:00 AM