Health

Cases of whooping cough reported in Chatham County
[Nov. 29, 2005] During the week of November 14, 2005, one lab confirmed case of Pertussis was reported in an infant. Six other cases were also reported as potential cases of Pertussis due to symptoms and relationship with the infant. Four of the reported cases are household members to the infant and the other two reported cases are caregivers who live outside the home. The infant with lab confirmation of Pertussis became sick prior to receiving its first round of childhood immunizations. Close contacts to all the reported and confirmed cases are receiving medication for treatment or prevention. By Monique Peloquin

Success at the second annual diabetes health fair
[Oct. 31, 2005] Building on the success from the Spanish/English diabetes health fair held last year, Chatham Hospital and the Chatham County Public Health Department teamed up once again to hold a second annual fair on October 8th in Siler City. For the second year in a row, the health fair offered blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, diabetes information, door prizes and giveaways, seminars, healthy food and opportunities to talk to diabetes specialists and local agencies. By Monique Peloquin

Pledge to go the extra mile
[Aug. 24, 2005] National America On the Move (AOM) Day, Wednesday, September 28, 2005, asks you to take the pledge to "Go the Extra Mile for Energy Balance" by walking 2000 more steps and eating 100 fewer calories. Experts think those simple steps can stop weight gain and jump start weight loss, while reducing your health risk factors significantly.
Also: America On the Move

What parents need to know about inhalant abuse
[Aug. 24, 2005] When the new school year begins Ricky Stem and Michael Franklin won’t be among the students getting to know their new teachers and classmates. Their addictions to inhalant abuse claimed both boys. Michael was hooked on all sorts of products, including gasoline, air fresheners and computer cleaning compounds. Ricky inhaled Freon from his home’s central air conditioning system.

100 most popular baby names in North Carolina in 2004
[Jun. 6, 2005] The following table shows the 100 most frequent given names for male and female births in 2004 in North Carolina. The most popular boy's name was William. The most popular girl's name was Emma.

100 most popular baby names in North Carolina in 1960
[Jun. 5, 2005] The following table shows the 100 most frequent given names for male and female births in 1960 in North Carolina. The most popular boy's name was James. The most popular girl's name was Donna.

Summer is no time to take vacation from water safety
[Apr. 26, 2005] According to the National Safety Council drowning claims the lives of more than 4,000 people every year. The good news is that most water tragedies can be prevented by remembering a few basics.
Also: National Safety Council
Also: Red Cross

New flu administration guidelines will go into effect in Chatham County
[Jan. 5, 2005] The new recommended administration guidelines will begin on January 3, 2005. The flu vaccine will then be available for: people age 50 or older, and household contacts of people in the current high risk groups. By Monique Peloquin

Progress Energy offers safety tips for installing holiday lights
[Dec. 10, 2004] The holiday season is upon us, and for many in Progress Energy's service area, decorating the home and the holiday tree is a favorite and fun part of the season. As with anything electrical, there are precautions to better ensure the safety of your family and your home.

Health department to hold influenza vaccine clinic
[Dec. 8, 2004] The Chatham County Public Health Department has received additional influenza vaccine. Clinics will be held this coming Saturday at Jordan-Matthews and Northwood High School cafeterias to provide the vaccine to eligible people. Eligibility is based on the CDC recommendations. By Monique Peloquin

Chatham County gets federal grant
[Aug. 27, 2004] Twenty-one North Carolina communities - including one in the Triangle --will share more than $1.23 million in grants and $20 million in loans for economic development. Piedmont Health Services won an $850,000 loan to build a clinic in Siler City.

Ten Sunscreen Tips
[Jun. 26, 2004] Sunbathing is usually considered a relaxing experience, and a golden tan can be flattering and make you feel healthier. Despite the fact that we are constantly warned, approximately 40,000 new cases of skin cancer and 2,000 deaths are reported each year. The good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented by taking advantage of today's technologically advanced sunscreens.

2004 Relay for Life kickoff celebration
[Jan. 29, 2004] The Pittsboro Relay for Life Committee invites you to join them as they celebrate their 2003 success and kickoff their third annual Pittsboro Relay. By Suz Clark
Also: Pittsboro Relay for Life

Chatham Health Department seeks community diabetes advocates
[Jan. 29, 2004] The Chatham County Public Health Department is currently recruiting volunteers to become community diabetes advocates. By Marissa Jelks