Health
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
Ms. DeSalvo-Reed is a nurse with over 30 years of experience in preventive medicine, healthcare education and wellness counseling.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Susan on multiple projects over the years, and I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Susan to our team. The SafeRX collaborative has done so much good work in our community and I can’t wait to see the next phase of impact with Susan’s leadership,” said Shelly Trumbo, community wellness director.
DeSalvo-Reed has been a community leader in Lake County for many years, developing and implementing healthy lifestyle educational programs, workplace wellness programs including Wellness RX and she has served as a wellness coach to over 250 clients in the county.
She combined her health activism and her leadership skills to provide Spirit Spin Fitness Studio, a local place to exercise, as a community service in Cobb.
For the last 21 years she has been a vested Instructor for Healing Touch Program where she teaches complementary medicine for Healing Touch Program nationally and internationally
“I am excited to apply my health leadership experience to Lake County SafeRx to fight the opioid epidemic, and turn the dial to reduce use, death and abuse of opioids,” Desalvo-Reed said.
SafeRX Lake County aspires to help create a healthier and safer community by improving the quality of life and functionality of individuals with pain, and reducing harm from prescription drug misuse and abuse through collaborative partnerships that focus on prevention, treatment and recovery.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
To ensure Cigna customers in California continue to have ready access to prescriptions during this difficult time, Cigna has lifted prescription refill requirements in affected areas through early September.
Additionally, in Riverside and Shasta counties, more time will be allowed for prior authorizations, pre-certifications and referrals for medical care, and for filing claims.
If in-network services or providers are not available in these areas due to the wildfires, out-of-network services will be covered at the in-network benefit level.
Customers in California with questions on any aspect of their pharmacy or medical care may call the number on their customer ID card, or call 1-800-244-6224.
For all members of the communities affected by the wildfires, Cigna is providing free telephone counseling through Aug. 25, 2018. The special toll-free number is available by calling 1-866-912-1687, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Additionally, the Cigna Foundation is making a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts.
The Cigna Foundation also will match, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, all donations by Cigna employees in support of American Red Cross disaster relief.
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- Written by: California Department of Public Health
The individuals were exposed to a pig at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles that was infected with influenza. The individuals have recovered after experiencing brief illnesses.
Influenza viruses that are spread among pigs are occasionally transmitted to people who have close contact with pigs. When this happens, the infections in humans are called variant influenza virus infections.
Variant influenza virus infections are usually mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal influenza.
However, like seasonal influenza, serious illness is possible. Person-to-person transmission of variant influenza viruses is not common, and people cannot get it by eating pork.
In recent years, variant influenza virus infections have occurred each summer in the United States, and most infections have been linked to exposure to pigs at agricultural events.
With the county fair season still in full swing in California, these cases of variant influenza virus infections serve as a reminder to take steps to prevent illness when visiting events where pigs and other animals are on exhibit.
“Visiting animals can be one of the highlights of the fair,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “It is important to remember to practice good hygiene when working with or visiting animals.”
There are steps you can take to protect you and your family at the fair, zoo, petting zoo or other settings where pigs are present.
· Wash your hands with soap and running water after any exposure to animals.
· Don’t eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth while in an area where animals are housed or exhibited.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth until you have exited the animal area and washed your hands with soap and running water.
· Don’t take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into animal areas.
· Avoid contact with animals that look or act ill.
· People in high-risk groups should take extra care around animals. These include senior citizens, children under five, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system or chronic health conditions.
Persons who have influenza symptoms after recent contact with pigs should tell their health care provider about their exposure. Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and may also include vomiting or diarrhea.
People at greater risk of serious influenza-related complications (children under five, adults 65 and over, pregnant women, persons with a weakened immune system or certain chronic medical conditions) should contact their health care provider as soon as possible.
The same medications used to treat people with seasonal influenza can also be used for variant influenza virus infections.
If variant influenza is suspected in a patient, health care providers should contact their local health department to coordinate appropriate testing. For local health department contact information, visit CDPH’s Web site.
For more information about variant influenza viruses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The hospital and clinics have been under an evacuation order since Saturday, July 28.
A team of personnel are working onsite at the hospital to make sure it is secure, functional and able to open when it is appropriate.
Although some local roads near the hospital may be opening, it is not yet certain when the hospital or the clinics will reopen.
“We are looking forward to once again serving patients with compassion and excellence when the hospital reopens,’’ said Dan Peterson, chief administrative officer at Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “When the hospital is cleared to open, we will notify patients and the communities we support.’’
Meanwhile, clinical team members continue to reach out to patients and reschedule patients with immediate needs at nearby facilities.
Clinical team members are contacting patients with immediate treatment needs first to discuss various alternatives for care. They are contacting patients with non-immediate treatment needs soon thereafter.
The health and safety of patients, staff, clinicians and community are the highest priorities. Sutter Health continues to coordinate efforts with local emergency officials and is closely monitoring this situation as it unfolds.
Sutter is actively supporting employees and physicians in this time of need with financial aid and other emergency assistance, but also recognizes the importance of supporting the greater community.
The not-for-profit health network made a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross California Wildfires Fund, which will help bring food, water and emergency shelter to families in need.
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