Two Harbors, Minnesota » Public Health

Lake County is Unhealthy?

admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:38:55 +0000

A study released today says Lake County, with a population of about 10,600, is the unhealthiest county in Minnesota. Link to full article in Duluth News Tribune

I appreciate that Paul Bergman picked up on the fact that Lake County ranks 16th in Health Factors. Dennis Henkel made some good observations about the data as well.

This study, like many, is good for a few headlines, but on closer inspection there is much to cause a person to reconsider the rather sensational headlines they generate.

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Two Harbors H1N1 News

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:35:31 +0000

H1N1 vaccine is now available for everyone.

After all the hoopla, near panic and frustration around the country, H1N1 vaccine is finally available in sufficient quantity.

Lake County Public Health has clinics scheduled as follows:

Two Harbors:

Monday, January 4th from 10:00am through 2:00pm, Human Services building
Wednesday, January 6th from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Human Services building
Monday, January 25th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, Human Services building

Silver Bay:

Monday, January 11th from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Edison Blvd Service Center
Wednesday, January 13th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, Edison Blvd Service Center

Isabella:

Tuesday, January 19th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, Community Center

H1 N1 vaccinations are free and available to all residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

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H1N1 Vaccinations

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:24 +0000

Lake County Public Health Nurses have been busy in the schools vaccinating students. Lake View Clinic (with support from Public Health) held two H1N1 vaccination clinics for the public, but still with a limited vaccine target group.

The response on the two Clinic dates was somewhat underwhelming, but thank you to those who stayed home so we had enough vaccine available for the higher priority target groups.

As the days go by, vaccine supply will increase and groups will be expanded even further. Please watch for public announcements for additional H1N1 vaccination clinics. Lake County Public Health will be scheduling these as supply improves.

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H1N1 Vaccination Clinic 11/24 – Expanded Groups

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:48:19 +0000

There will be a public H1N1 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, November 24th at Lake View Clinic in Two Harbors. H1N1 vaccine is free of charge. Hours are 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

H1N1 vaccine will be administered to the expanded priority group listed below. Vaccinations will be on a 1st come, 1st served basis.

Age 6 months through 24 years, whether or not you have a medical condition
Age 25 years through 64 years, if you have a chronic medical condition that would put you at risk for complications (see list below)
Pregnant
Working as a health care provider or as emergency medical services personnel
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

Chronic medical conditions that put you at risk for complications of flu (H1N1 or seasonal)

People who have these conditions should be vaccinated for both seasonal and H1N1 flu:
Asthma or lung disease
Heart disease (but not high blood pressure)
Kidney or liver disease
Metabolic disease, like diabetes
Anemia and other blood disorders
Muscle or nerve disorders, such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy, that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems
Weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or other diseases, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids, cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
Anyone 6 months through 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (they could develop Reye Syndrome if they got the flu)

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H1N1 Update

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:44:59 +0000

H1N1 continues to be a hot topic. Vaccine supplies are increasing around the country. The CDC and Minnesota Department of Health continue to focus the available vaccine supply on the highest risk subset of the general risk groups.

Click the picture for a link to a Minnesota Department of Health web page with advice on what to do if you get sick.

This subset is (in no particular order):

Pregnant women
Children 6 months thru 4 years of age
Children and adolescents age 5-18 who have underlying health conditions that increase the possibility of more significant problems with flu
Health care and Emergency Services workers who have direct patient contact or contact with infectious materials
People who live with, or provide care for children under 6 months old

Without knowing when adequate vaccine will be available, advance scheduling is difficult. The high priority group (see above) will be expanded as supplies increase. Lake County Public Health, Lake View Clinic and Lake View Hospital are all watching the vaccine situation closely.

This story and information provided by Brad Alm, RN – Director of Lake View Clinic in Two Harbors.

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More Flu Information

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:45:39 +0000

Minnesota FluLine 1-866-259-4655

If you have questions about your flu symptoms and treatment options, you can call this toll-free nurse triage line. This service was created by and is operated by the Minnesota Department of Health and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Definition: Influenza-Like Illness (ILI)

Documented fever >37.8°C (>100°F) AND cough and/or sore throat in the absence of another cause.

_________________________________________________

The following information was issued to healthcare providers by the Minnesota Department of Health 0n October 21st.

Vaccine Priority Groups:

pregnant women,
persons who live with or provide care for infants aged < 6 months,
health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material,
children aged 6 months through 4 years, and
children and adolescents aged 5-18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

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