Tobacco sales compliance
The health department's Learn to Live program offers to retailers a tobacco sales compliance kit. The kit includes a training guide that explains Maryland's tobacco laws. It's illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 in the State of Maryland. The free kit is available by calling the Learn to Live Line 410-222-7979. Or http://www.aahealth.org/ltl_pdf/compliancekit.pdf.
Holiday food safety
Reduce the risk of food-borne illness with suggestions from The Department of Health when preparing seasonal meals. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million Americans get sick from spoiled foods. Infants and the elderly are at the greatest risk. Information 410-222-7239 or go to "holiday tips for handling food safely" under Hot Topics at http://www.aahealth.org.
Free flu vaccine clinics
The Department of Health provides free seasonal flu vaccine at walk-in clinics in Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Both the injectable and nasal spray vaccines are available. For details, call the flu information line at 410-222-7343 or visit http://www.aahealth.org.
Guide to school health
The Department of Health website, http://www.aahealth.org, offers information on school health services for the 2011-2012 school year. The page provides information on bullying, keeping kids smoke-free, flu prevention, treatment of head lice and communicable diseases, and more.
Health report card
The Department of Health has announced its annual report card of community health indicators. The report highlights progress in lowering death rates from stroke, diabetes and breast cancer. County residents have met nationally set goals for getting screened for cholesterol levels, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer and melanoma mortality rates were higher in Anne Arundel County than in Maryland as a whole. Information: aahealth.org or 410-222-7202.
Health email alerts
The Department of Health has a community health email alert system to provide timely notices about department services and community health issues. Also, a recreational water-quality email alert system has been in effect since 2006. It alerts subscribers when a closure or advisory is issued for a county waterway. For information about the alert services, visit aahealth.org. Click on "sign-up" to receive health alerts; or call the public information office at 410-222-4508.
Patient disability pamphlet
The county Commission on Disability Issues offers a pamphlet, "Doctors' Offices and Patients with Disabilities Working Together," that offers suggestions for doctors to make visits go more smoothly, including information on training staff, obtaining equipment for the disabled and accommodating service animals. To obtain a copy, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act Office at 410-222-4464, ext. 3056; or http://www.aacounty.org/Aging/disabledAdults/CommDis.cfm and click on "Doctor's Office Brochure."
Calendar
Confidential HIV testing The Anne Arundel Department of Health will offer free and confidential HIV testing from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 171 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis. Information: 410-222-7108 or visit http://www.aahealth.org/hiv/aids.
Nutrition and exercise The Diabetes and Endocrinology Center at Baltimore Washington Medical Center will offer classes in nutrition and exercise, discussing simple lifestyle changes to help achieve weight loss, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and to prevent diabetes. Classes will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at the center, 300 Hospice Drive, Suite 119. Cost is $25. Registration required. Information: 410-787-4940.
Lunch and health seminars The Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce health care and wellness committee has teamed up with ShopRite of Glen Burnie to offer a free health seminars from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the ShopRite community meeting room, 6716 Ritchie Highway. Topic for discussion is defeating diabetes in adults and children with Cheryl Hodgins, RN, CRNP, CDE, Harbor Hospital's diabetes educator. Registration required. Information: 410-766-8282 or visit http://www.naaccc.com.
Support groups
The Joslin Circle A diabetes support group discusses issues regarding management of the disease. The group meets 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month in the Joslin Diabetes Center, Suite 223, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4940.
Man-to-Man prostate cancer Offers information about diagnosis, treatment and management. The group meets 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in the Tate Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 305 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4367.
