Health

Chatham County Public Health encourages regular breast screenings for women
[Oct. 26, 2011] Throughout October, the Chatham County Public Health Department will spotlight breast cancer, including offering low to no-cost breast exams, pelvic exams, pap smears and mammograms to women between 50 to 64 years old who meet the program requirements. During this period, some women may qualify for screening incentives at the public health clinic. Call 919-742-5641 to see if you qualify and to schedule an appointment.

Forty-eight percent of Americans on meds making risky health care tradeoffs
[Oct. 7, 2011] As a result of the flagging economy, Americans are making risky tradeoffs that could be dangerous to their health, according to Consumer Reports’ annual prescription drug poll. Forty-eight percent of Americans who currently take a prescription medicine told pollsters they’d cut health-care costs, for example, by putting off a doctor’s visit or medical procedure, declining tests, or ordering cheaper drugs from outside of the U.S. That’s an increase of 9 percentage points since 2010.

Chatham Public Health Department warns of ground turkey recall for salmonella
[Aug. 11, 2011] The Chatham County Public Health Department advises residents to be aware of the following recall due to illnesses caused by Salmonella Heidelberg associated with consumption of ground turkey. The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports that the recalled meat was sold at Wal-Mart, Aldi, Ingles and Kroger retail stores.

KidSCope offers services to meet mental health needs of children
[Jul. 27, 2011] As difficult as it is to imagine, children as young as 2 or 3 years old may have depression or anxiety. In fact, it is estimated that between nine percent and fourteen percent of children from birth to five years of age experience social and emotional problems that negatively affect their functioning and development. The numbers for developmental disabilities are equally staggering. The N.C. Autism Society estimates that one out of every 110 children born today has some form of autism spectrum disorder. By Linda Foxworth
Also: KidSCope

Reduce the likelihood of stings during outdoor activities
[Jul. 20, 2011] The advent of warm weather is the time for outdoor fun and yard work. Picnicking, swimming, golfing, tennis, gardening and lawn mowing are just a few of the activities people engage in when the weather is pleasant. But no one likes to be stung by an insect and for the 3-5 percent of the population who are allergic to an insect sting, such an event could be life-threatening. There are only a few types of insects which cause most of the problems. With the proper knowledge and precautions, the likelihood of being stung can be greatly reduced. By S. Bambara, Extension Specialist

Consumer Reports rates Jenny Craig best diet; Weight Watchers scores a distant third
[May 11, 2011] Jenny Craig, the diet program that combines counseling with a portion-controlled regimen of pre-made foods supplemented by home cooked sides, has been designated a Ratings winner by Consumer Reports Health. With an overall score of 85, Jenny Craig easily surpassed the popular Weight Watchers (57) program by nearly 30 points.

Consumer Reports finds that 94% of shoppers "highly satisfied" with independent drugstores
[Apr. 25, 2011] New drugstore Ratings published in the May issue of Consumer Reports and available online at ConsumerReportsHealth.org reveal that the overwhelming majority (94%) of readers are highly satisfied with their experiences at neighborhood independent drugstores. While customers said they were generally satisfied with their pharmacies, some were irked by long waits and lagging service at some big box stores.

Chatham advises Bynum water source issues addressed in mid-1970s
[Apr. 2, 2011] Chatham County Health Director Holly Coleman wants Bynum residents to know that the report presented to U.S. Congress yesterday on a “cancer cluster” observed by researchers over 20 years ago in the Bynum community is not a continued health risk. The report cited study data from 1980-85, which looked at the impact of some residents consuming untreated river water periodically until 1976, when residents were advised to discontinue this practice. The Town of Pittsboro also made public treated water available to the Bynum area around the same time.

Bring in unneeded medications for disposal during Operation Medicine Drop
[Mar. 25, 2011] On Saturday, March 26, Chatham County will be participating in Operation Medicine Drop, a statewide effort to safely dispose of old or unneeded prescription and over-the-counter medications. Chatham Drug Free, the Sheriff’s Department, the Pittsboro and Siler City Police Departments, and the Chatham County Public Health Department are working together to organize this event in Chatham County.

Consumer Reports survey reveals what doctors wish their patients knew
[Feb. 23, 2011] Doctors reveal what patients can do to get better care in a new report about navigating the complex doctor-patient relationship in the March issue of Consumer Reports and online at ConsumerReportsHealth.org. Physicians told Consumer Reports’ their top gripe was patient noncompliance with advice or treatment recommendations. Most said it affected their ability to provide optimal care and more than one-third (37%) said it did so “a lot.”

Consumer Reports finds the best drugs for what ails you, plus where to buy them for $4 a month
[Feb. 16, 2011] A new report in the March issue of Consumer Reports finds that many common generic drugs beat brand names when it comes to safety, efficacy, and cost. Yet many consumers aren’t taking advantage of the discount drug programs offering these drugs at prices as low as $4 a month.

Shoe insole tests fail to impress
[Feb. 7, 2011] As heels get higher and higher, shoe shoppers are left deciding between four inches or five inches for their next pair. But is there room for comfort in the world of sky high stilettos? Not if shoppers are looking to shoe insoles to relieve their aching feet. Tests reveal that shoe insoles may not be worth the money.

February 7 is Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
[Feb. 3, 2011] As the Director of the Chatham Social Health Council, I would like to share some information about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and what it means. Please stop by the Health Council at 401B North Ivey Ave if you would like more information or would like to be tested. By Stacy Duck

Consumer Reports finds that few waterproof bandages keep the water out
[Jan. 16, 2011] Waterproof bandages are supposed to protect cuts and scrapes from water and other liquids that can carry germs. But Consumer Reports tested eight bandages labeled waterproof and one labeled water resistant and found only two delivered fairly well when it came to keeping the water out.