H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Information
The outbreak of H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu) continues in the U.S. and internationally. The City urges residents to take steps to stay healthy. Visit the Virginia Dept. of Health for more information about the flu.
For basic information on what you and your household members can do if you are sick and want to prevent the spread of the flu, please read our new "Stay At Home" Flu Tool Kit.
Hurricane Season's Coming...Save Some Money!
Hurricane season officially starts on June 1, 2009, and runs through November 30, 2009. To see what you can do to best prepare yourself and your family during hurricane season, please click here.
Additionally, did you know that from May 25-31, 2009, there is a "Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday"? That means that if you've been meaning to put together a home emergency kit, now's the time. Click here to see which emergency supplies can be purchased in Virginia free of sales tax.
Emergency preparedness and saving money. What could be smarter than that?
New Health Services Resource Guide
The Alexandria Health Department is pleased to offer this recently updated Health Services Resource Guide. The Guide, first developed in 2007 as part of the Healthy Communities Access Program (HCAP) as a collaborative effort of more than 20 local public and private providers, includes a complete listing of health care resources available to Alexandria residents, the services offered, and how to access them. We plan to update this Guide regularly to assist you in navigating our complex health care system.
9-5-2-1-0 for Health
Join the Campaign for Healthier Kids to learn about how to make a difference in the lives of children. The Northern Virginia Healthy Kids Coalition is a group of residents and organizations joined together to promote better health for children of all ages. Click here for a 9-5-2-1-0 fact sheet.
To help spread the message and learn more about the program, please visit www.tippingthescales.net.
How Should I Dispose of My Drugs Safely?
Many people wonder how to properly dispose of their prescription drugs. Never flush your prescription drugs down a toilet or place in the sink. Just return your unused drugs to the pharmacy, or follow these simple instructions:
Keep the medicines in their original containers. This will help identify the contents if they are accidentally ingested.
Cross our your name and prescription number for safety.
For pills: add some salt water to start dissolving them.
For liquids: add something inedible, like cat litter, dirt or ash.
Seal the container and secure with duct tape or packing tape.
Put the container in the trash as close to pickup time as possible. Do NOT put in the recycling bin.
For further information, please consult the following publications:
www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/drug_disposal062308.html
www.deq.virginia.gov/vpdes/Microconstituents.html
Help Wanted: Create a Vision for a Healthy Alexandria
The Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria is leading an Alexandria-wide effort to improve health.
As the first step, we invite you to share your ideas and experiences that can help make Alexandria a healthier place in which to live. We need your help in identifying issues that are important to you, your family and your neighbors.
It's important for everyone who lives, learns, works, or plays in Alexandria to get involved and VOICE what's important to them -- YOUR health, YOUR community. Learn what others have said, too.
To learn more, and to download the survey, please visit http://www.alexhealth.org/partnership/mapp.html.
Help us create a vision for a healthy Alexandria!
Health Department Warns Parents About the Dangers of Diluting Infant Formula
A recent news report about an infant becoming ill from consuming diluted infant formula should serve as a warning to parents that doing so is unsafe and could pose considerable health risk to your baby.
The Virginia Department of Health and the Alexandria Health Department are reminding parents to follow the manfucturer's directions when preparing their baby's infant formula and NOT add extra water. Babies who drink diluted formula can suffer from "water intoxication," whereby the baby's blood sodium levels become diluted, which can lead to seizures and possible death. Drinking watered-down formula also prevents your baby from receiving all of the nutritional benefits they need for growth and development.
Parents are urged to contact the Alexandria Health Department's WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program to inquire about their Special Supplemental Nutrition Program. Please call (703) 838-4400 ext. 332, 216, or 202.
Are You Ready?
In today’s world, your health and safety, and that of your family and friends, can be affected by a wide range of potential health emergencies. Knowing what to do in advance can better protect us all. Click here to learn more.
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