Volume 8 Issue 4

v i s i t u s o n t h e w e b : w w w. p b c h d . c o m

The Pulse

From the Director

This Holiday Season Treat Yourself to the
Power of Attracting More Abundance by
Being Grateful

Sam Beatson author of The Gratitude Book states if you

do choose to be grateful, start with the small things that may
be taken for granted. Increased happiness in some capacity
is actually guaranteed when incorporated into a daily habit,
preferably of 21 days or more. If you have ANY worries in
your life, start being grateful today. It will powerfully shift your
focus, allowing those problems that you have been holding
onto to be resolved or dissolved.
Clinical psychologists in the academic field of positive
psychology have found being grateful on a daily basis for
just one week is clinically proven to have benefits lasting for
six months or more. Further, Spiritual masters have known
and advocated gratitude for literally thousands of years.
Personal development gurus also state that gratitude is a
practice that works for success, happiness and abundance.
You can never run out of things to be grateful for, because
the universe never ceases to support you, even when
it seems things are going wrong. It is just a valuable life
lesson in gratitude. To be grateful can mean to be abundant
and rich, right now with what you have. You see, gratitude
is a choice. Choosing to be grateful activates positive
thoughts and feelings. It is even proven to improve spiritual
connection by clinical psychological studies.
You can begin today by thinking of things to be grateful
for: Being able to go to a place of worship of your choice;
Freedom and our ability to express our political views; The

blessing of family;
Having food on the table
and a roof over your
head; Having clothes
to wear; Your friends;
What if you could be
grateful for those things
you take for granted?
This is not an excuse
to beat yourself up, or
a criticism that says
you ought to be
grateful. That would be
counterproductive. The old clich of telling your children to
think of the poor starving children in Ethiopia to get them
to finish their plate never served those children in Ethiopia.
If anything it taught children to stuff themselves beyond
their physical need and worse, created food addictions and
obesity.
Surprise yourself today by making a big list of things
you could feel grateful for and cultivate those feelings of
gratitude. Youll find gratitude is a pleasure rather than a
pain. Make it your gift to yourself this holiday. Go for it!
WISHING ALL A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

Alina M. Alonso, M.D.

inside this issue....

From the Director........................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Services on the Move..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Mosquito Alert................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Holiday Decisions / MyPlate.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
YUM Dental Tips........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Holidays in Our Health Centers...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Tis the Season to Quit Smoking..................................................................................................................................................... 7
World AIDS Day............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Tis the Season for Flu Shots........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Whooping Cough............................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Local School Principals Honored................................................................................................................................................... 9

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Volume 8 Issue 4

SERVICES ON THE MOVE!

We continue the same high
level of care that protects all
residents.
Some services available atPalm Beach
County Health DepartmentHealth
Centers have moved!!
Its a necessary step to increase
efficiency while cutting costs. Moving
the Communicable Disease services
from the Riviera Beach Health Center on
Garden Road to other facilities made the
most sense in tough budget times, said
Health Department Director Alina Alonso,
M.D., This does not disrupt the services
we are providing. All of our services
remain intact, simply relocating into other
buildings.
Dr. Alonso says a presence in Riviera
Beach will continue with the re-opening
of one of the original Health Department
facilities on Avenue P. The re-opening
of the Northeast Health Center is a
very exciting project for me because we
were able to take HRSA dollars that we
obtained through the Federal stimulus
and utilize them to renovate that center
A center that was one of our original

A Mosquito alert has been issued for Palm Beach

County, after locally acquired cases of Dengue were
confirmed.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted person to person
via mosquitoes. We have been closely monitoring the
county for the possibility of Dengue being reintroduced
in our area since we have seen it in counties north
and south of us, said Health Director Alina Alonso,
M.D., Since there is no vaccine or cure for Dengue,
its imperative residents practice prevention methods to
avoid mosquito bites.
In 2009, locally acquired cases of Dengue were
diagnosed in Key West and since then, others have
been found in South Florida. These are the first locally
acquired cases in Palm Beach County although nine
others have been reported this year and acquired out of
the country.

clinics way back in the early stages of the

Health Department. So with additional
help of the county, which owns the
property, and the building we were able
to renovate it and open it up again for
services.
These changes do not affect the dental
clinic located at the Health Center on
Garden Road.
Pediatric Services and Refugee
Screenings are now offered at the
Northeast Health Center and moved from
West Palm Beach Health Center.
The HIV clinic, along with ADAP services
currently provided at the Riviera Beach
Health Center (Garden Road), transition
to the West Palm Beach Health Center,
located at 1150 45th Street.
STD clinic/services will be integrated into
our Family Planning Clinic, which will
now be offered at all of our health centers
throughout the county as a Family
Planning/Sexual Health Clinic.
Classic dengue fever is
characterized by acute
onset of high fever, 3-14
days after the bite of
an infected mosquito.
Patients develop high
fevers, severe headache, muscle and bone aches, rash,
severe pain behind the eyes and mild bleeding from the
nose or gums. Acute symptoms, when present, usually
last about 1 week, but weakness, malaise, and anorexia
may persist for several weeks. Treatment emphasizes
relief of symptoms, avoiding aspirin and other non
steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and drinking
plenty of fluids. Severe manifestations (e.g., dengue
hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome) are
rare but may be fatal. Persons experiencing symptoms
should see their medical provider or if severe visit the
nearest hospital or clinic.
Dengue is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito
which is commonly known as the household mosquito
but unlike others, it is a day biter. Mosquito Control
works year round to battle the bugs, with abatement
methods such as aerial spraying, dispersing larvacide

TB services will now be provided

primarily at two locations: the Delray
Beach Health Center and the C.L.
Brumback, Belle Glade Health Center.
In addition to these changes, we are
pleased to announce the opening of our
new appointment call center. We are
confident that patients will have improved
customer service and access to obtaining
an appointment for services at any of our
seven health centers located throughout
Palm Beach County. This call center
is now operational and the telephone
number is toll free 1-855-GET-APPT
(1-855-438-2778) or if dialed locally 561625-5180.
Dr. Alonso is confident that with all
of these changes, our community
partnerships will remain strong and
supportive of the services our Palm
Beach County residents and visitors have
come to know and depend on.

in drainage areas, and public education. Palm Beach

County Mosquito Control Entomologist Gary Goode
says residents need to be diligent to keep their
homes from being home to mosquitoes, Even the
smallest containers can become a breeding ground for
thousands of mosquitoes.
Those steps to make your home less inviting to
mosquitoes are

DRAIN & COVER!

Drain all standing water.

Cover your windows and doors with screens in good
repair.
Cover yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants and
shoes with socks.
Wear mosquito repellent containing Picaridin or DEET
following manufacturers instructions.
Also use air conditioning whenever possible, said
Goode, That dries out the air inside your house so
mosquitoes cant survive.
Further information can be obtained by visiting the Palm
Beach County Health Department website at

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www.pbchd.com.

The Pulse

ry
Dai
ins

Gra

its
Fru

ble
eta

Veg

Holiday
Decisions/
MyPlate
In 2011, the United
States Dept. of

in

te
Pro

Agriculture (USDA)
published MyPlate,
their newest guide to
healthy meal planning. Over the years, there have been several
revisions of the USDA guide. The 1940s guide displayed 7 food
groups that changed to 4 food groups in the 1950s. In 1992,
the Food Guide Pyramid made an appearance and in 2005
MyPyramid added a band for oils and the concept of physical
activity.

Make at least half your grains whole grains

Vary your veggies
Focus on fruit
Get your calcium rich foods
Go lean with protein
Avoid oversized portions
Drink water instead of sugary drinks
Find your balance between food and physical activity

of your plate should
be vegetables and fruits:
o Vegetables such as
asparagus, beets, broccoli,
Brussel sprouts, cabbage,
carrots, cauliflower,
celery, cucumbers, green
beans, greens, lettuce, mushrooms,
okra, onions, peppers, spinach, summer squash,
tomato, turnips, zucchini, etc. are low in calories: ~
25 calories for 1 cup raw or cup cooked.
o One serving of fruit contains ~ 60 calories: 1 small
apple, orange, or nectarine, banana, 2 small
plums, small mango, 12 fresh sweet cherries, 17
small grapes, 1 cups watermelon cubes, cup
juice (orange, apple, pineapple)

v
o
g
.
ate

For your meat, choose a lean meat (1/4 of your plate). A 3

ounce cooked portion of the meats listed below contain less
than 200 calories.
o Poultry without skin such as chicken, turkey,
Cornish hen
o Plain fresh or frozen fish such as catfish, cod,
flounder, haddock, halibut, orange roughy, salmon,
tilapia, trout, tuna
o Select or choice grades of beef trimmed of fat such
as ground round, roast (chuck, rib, rump), sirloin,
steak (flank, porterhouse, T-bone), tenderloin
o Pork (lean loin chop/roast, ham, tenderloin)
o Shellfish: clams, crab, imitation shellfish, lobster,
scallops, shrimp
o Lamb: chop, leg, or roast

For your grain/starch:

o 2 slices of whole wheat bread contain ~ 160
calories
o 1 cup cooked rice contains ~ 200 calories
o 1 cup cooked couscous contains ~ 180
o 1 medium baked potato ~ 160

MyPlate is very different than the guides from previous years.

The new MyPlate icon builds on a familiar image a plate
and is accompanied by messages to encourage consumers to
make healthy choices. Your food and physical activity choices
each day affect your health how you feel today, tomorrow,
and in the future. MyPlate has several specific messages:

Food is everywhere during the holiday

season. Most people do not gain a lot
of weight during the holidays, but even
adding only a couple of pounds a year
adds up after several years. Instead
of trying to lose weight during the
holidays, focus on maintaining your
current weight and not gaining
weight. Try to eat healthy and
exercise regularly.
When you think about your
plate:

l
P
My

e
s
o
Cho

Keep food safe to eat

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Volume 8 Issue 4

o 1 cup cooked spaghetti ~200

o 1 cup cornbread stuffing ~ 340
o 1 cup candied sweet potato 320 calories

For your dairy:

o The calories in 1 cup of milk depends on the fat
content of the milk.
Fat free milk: 90 calories, 0 grams fat
1% low fat milk: 110 calories, 2.5 grams
fat
2% reduced-fat milk: 130 calories, 5 grams
fat
Whole milk: 150 calories, 8 grams fat

Some additions that will add fat and/or calories:

o 1 Tbsp brown sugar 34 calories
o 1 Tbsp honey 64 calories
o cup jarred traditional spaghetti sauce 70 calories
o 1 Tbsp mayonnaise 90 calories
o 1 Tbsp butter or margarine 100 calories
o 2 Tbsp creamy Italian salad dressing 100 calories
o cup classic alfredo sauce 110 calories (save lots
of calories by using the tomato based sauce!)
o 1 ounce cheddar cheese 114 calories
o 1 Tbsp oil 120 calories
o 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk 130 calories
o 12 ounces soda (1 can) ~ 140 calories
Additions such as spices, herbs, onion, garlic, vinegar, lemon
juice, lime juice, peppers, hot pepper sauce, barbeque sauce,
salsa, ketchup, and mustard provide flavor without high
calories.
Some tips to keep your calorie intake under control
during the holidays:

Plan for parties: Eat a small snack before leaving home.

If you arrive at a party starving, you are more likely to
eat too much. Survey the entire table before you take
any food. Decide what foods are worth eating and which
you can ignore. Why waste calories on foods that you
dont really love? Try not to hang out near the food. Find
a comfortable spot across the room, and focus on people
instead of eating.

Try to skip the fried foods. Instead focus on the fruits

and vegetables with a small amount of dip; pretzels and
popcorn instead of nuts; try salsa, yogurt, fat free sour
cream and low fat dressings as dips.

Eat your calories instead of drinking them. Stick to lower

calorie or calorie-free drinks (diet sodas, water, light beer,
or a wine spritzer), instead of punches, eggnog, and mixed
drinks that can have up to 500 calories/cup.
When you are hosting, make sure the menu includes lowercalorie foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

Watch your portion sizes. When it comes to holiday sweets

and alcoholic beverages, less is better.

Smart Substitutions for Recipes(from the American

Heart Association)
You can make many of your favorite recipes healthier by using
lower-fat or no-fat ingredients. These healthy substitutions can
help you cut down on saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol,
while noticing little, if any, difference in taste.
When a recipe calls for

Use this instead

Whole milk (1 cup)....................1 cup fat-free or low-fat milk,

plus one tablespoon of liquid

vegetable oil
Heavy cream (1 cup).................1 cup evaporated skim milk

or cup low-fat yogurt and

cup plain low-fat unsalted
cottage cheese
Sour cream...............................Fat-free sour cream
Butter (1 tablespoon)................1 tablespoon soft margarine

(low in saturated fat & 0 grams

trans fat) or tablespoon

liquid vegetable oil
Egg (1).....................................2 egg whites; or choose a
cholesterol-free egg substitute

(1/4 cup)
Unsweetened baking
chocolate (1 ounce)...................3 tablespoons unsweetened

cocoa powder or carob

powder plus 1 tablespoon

vegetable oil or soft margarine;

since carob is sweeter than

cocoa, reduce the sugar in the

recipe by 25%

For more information and recipes:

www.choosemyplate.gov
www.allrecipes.com
www.eatingwell.com
www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
www.heart.org
(click on Getting Healthy, then click on
Nutrition Center)

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The Pulse

Volunteer Services coordinates the volunteer

efforts of people interested in helping
their community grow through personal
involvement. Volunteers are a vital and
integral part of the Palm Beach County Health
Department. They assist in expanding resources
that improve the quality of life and the health
of Palm Beach Countys residents. Some provide
administrative support by performing clerical or
accounting duties, while others lend their special
talents or skills as interpreters, photographers
or fund raisers. Many health care professionals
either retired or with active licenses, volunteer at
the county health departments. They donate their
knowledge and skills to save lives and make a
difference in our communities. Last year Volunteer
Services provided the Palm Beach County Health
Department with $1,129,873.25 worth of Volunteer
hours and donations.
Volunteer Services provides the unbudgeted
needs of the Heath Center clients. The state
provides funds for medical care, but most of
our clients need more. Volunteers
assist with requests for
emergency food, clothing and
baby items such as: blankets,
bassinets and strollers. They also
direct clients to local resourcesto
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Volume 8 Issue 4

obtain housing, food and help to pay

outstanding bills.
During the holiday season Volunteer Services
decorates the centers with the help of volunteers
and staff. All the centers have a Toy-Give-Away
hosted by a jolly Santa. Each Coordinator
has a group of Community Partners that
holds toy drives or coordinates an Adopt a
Family event such as Delrays Angel Tree
at Unity Church of Delray. The last two
years we received hundreds of toys from
Toys for Tots. Collectively, Volunteer
Services gives out thousands of toys
and hundreds of books, childrens
clothes, and baby blankets to our
clients. For many children it is the only
gift they receive.
Volunteers work many hours to prepare
for these events. The toys are picked up,
inspected for safety, and separated by gender
and age before distribution by Santa and
his volunteer elves. This is their favorite
event of the year. The volunteers and
staff love to see the children filled with
excitement as they visit Santa and receive
their gifts. Their joy and laughter spreads
throughout the clinic halls and gets everyone in
the holiday spirit.
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The Pulse

YUM!

DENTAL TIPS
We realize that even with
alternatives children will eat
snacks that can lead to tooth
decay especially during this time
of year. Below are some tips
that can help your child avoid
tooth decay. It is important to
understand that all carbohydrates,
not just sugar, can cause cavities
as the body breaks them down to
sugar.
Limit frequency of snacking
and brush teeth after each
snack
If tooth brushing is not
available after snacking,
chewing sugar free gum for
20 minutes will decrease
the acid attack on the teeth
Dont allow your child to
sip on sweet liquids all day,
even fruit juice can cause
decay if ingested frequently
throughout the day
Alternate sweet liquids with
water throughout the day
The worst snacks are sticky
chewy snacks as they
adhere grooves of the teeth
and are harder to remove
We wish you and your family a
safe healthy Holiday.

LOCAL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS HONORED

The Immunization Compliance
Achievement Test (ICAT) Award
is given to the local schools for
high rates of required school
immunizations. For school year
2010-2011, there were 7 public
schools that achieved 100% for
on-site compliance. The Palm
Beach County Health Department
honored the principals of Golden
Grove, Meadow Park and New
Horizons Elementary Schools; John
F. Kennedy, Omni and Pahokee
Middle Schools; and Alexander W.
Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts at the
School District Principals meeting.
The Palm Beach Maritime Academy
Charter School was also recognized
for achieving 98.91% compliance.
Immunizations have made once
deadly and devastating childhood
illnesses preventable, said Dr.
Marsha Fishbane, Community and
School Health Director at the Health
Department, Working closely with
the School District of Palm Beach
County staff and Palm Beach County
Health Care District School Nurses
ensures that students have received
the required immunizations for the
safety of our community.
Palm Beach County Health
Department Health Centers offer
vaccination services. There is no
charge for childrens immunizations
for children through 18 years old.
Information can be obtained by
calling 800-810-1225 or on the web
at www.pbchd.com.

Elizabeth Cardozo,
New Horizons Elementary School

Corey Brooks,
John F. Kennedy Middle School

Kathryn Koerner,
Golden Grove Elementary School

Lavoise Taylor Smith,

Pahokee Middle School

Marie Turchiaro,
Palm Beach Maritime Academy

Pamela Arnette,
Meadow Park Elementary School

Renee Elfe,
Omni Middle School

Susan Atherley,
Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr.
School of the Arts

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Volume 8 Issue 4

tIS THE sEASON TO qUIT sMOKING

November 17th marked the 36th Great
American Smokeout, sponsored by the
American Cancer Society. The Health
Department along with the TobaccoFree Partnership of Palm Beach County,
the Florida Department of Health,
and Tobacco Free Florida encourage
Floridians to commit to being tobaccofree.
The Great American Smokeout
challenges smokers to plan in advance
to quit tobacco use that day, or to
use the day to make a plan to quit. A
comprehensive quit plan is an essential
part of a successful quit attempt.
The event raises awareness about
the dangers of tobacco use and the
many effective resources available to
successfully quit.
Seven out of 10 adult smokers report
that they want to quit completely. In 2010,
52.8 percent of cigarette smokers in
Florida made a quit attempt. Those who
werent successful should continue trying
because most former smokers make
several attempts before finally quitting
permanently. In fact, the average smoker
attempts to quit between eight and 11
times before ultimately quitting for good.
Tobacco Free Florida offers a number of
free and convenient resources to help
smokers quit.

Phone: Call the Florida Quitline

at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak
with a Quit Coach who will help
you assess your addiction and
help you create a personalized
quit plan.

Online: visit http://www.

In-person: Visit the Florida

Area Health Education Centers
(AHEC) Networks website, http://
ahectobacco.com, to locate your
local AHEC and sign up for Quit
Smoking Now group classes.

Girl Scouts, (L-R) Jill Rooney, Emma Romano, Alexis Blumberg, Tabatha Levy, Haley Johnston, and Gabrielle Thaw.

Girl Scouts worked to educate officials from the Village of Wellington on the
importance of tobacco-free parks and playgrounds, which resulted in the Wellington
Village Council passing a smoke-free parks policy!
Other initiatives: The School Board of Palm Beach County approved a policy
update banning the use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes by all persons,
including parents and employees, anywhere on any property that is owned, leased,
rented, or operated by the School District and at school-sanctioned event.
The Town of Jupiter and the Cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay passed
resolutions urging retailers to refrain from selling flavored tobacco products due to
their appeal to youth.

floridaquitline.com/

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The Pulse

10

Drive, Belle Glade, Florida for ceremony.

(Please bring flash Lights)
Dedication and Quilt Display Ceremony
The Western Palm Beach County GIN/PATCH and
Community Organizations dedicate their AIDS Quilt
Panel to the Names Project at 7:30 pm at Dolly
Hand Cultural Art Center at 1977 College Drive,
Belle Glade
The AIDS Memorial Quilt
A memorial to people who lost their lives to AIDS.
The Quilt has an important role to play in HIV
prevention education because it shows that AIDS
can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any age. By
encouraging visitors to recognize their own risk of
HIV infection, the Quilt creates a teachable moment

WORLD AIDS DAY 2011

cumulative number of HIV cases in the county

Getting to zero: zero new HIV

infections. Zero discrimination.
Zero AIDS related deaths

While advances in the treatment of HIV and AIDS

The World Health Organization and the United

Nations first declared December 1st as World AIDS
Day in 1988. Since then, much has been done to
create awareness, save lives and slow the spread
of the disease.

As of October 31, 2011, 7,866 persons are living with

HIV/AIDS in Palm Beach County. It is estimated that
this number could actually be 20% greater. The 20%
is based not only on those persons who have not
been tested but also includes those persons in care
but whose test results have not been reported and
thirdly, those persons in care but whose test results
were reported in another state.

In 2010, 250 new AIDS cases were reported,

cases were reported.
In 2010, 314 new HIV cases were reported, a
slight decrease from 2009 when 321 HIV cases
were reported.

family member or friends.

continue, there is still much work to be done, said

Families First of Palm Beach County (TOPWA)

Palm Beach County Health Department Director

World AIDS Day Awareness event at the

Alina Alonso, M.D. And while the number of new

45th Street Flea Market

AIDS cases has declined over the last year, its

Time: 2 pm 6 pm

important to remember 250 people were diagnosed

Contact: (561) 721-2887

with the disease in our county last year alone.

Engaging the community in educational sessions &

Through prevention efforts, we hope that number

HIV testing
Opening AIDS Memorial Quilt Display Ceremony

World AIDS Day Events*

New Panel Induction, Voices of Pride performance

HIV Testing & Counseling

Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth 33460

Palm Beach County Health Department Health

6 pm 8:30 pm

Centers in Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Lantana/

Contact: (561) 533-9699

Lake Worth and West Palm Beach

World AIDS Day Luncheon
Reflection on the Glades Communities

Community Prevention Partnership

World AIDS Day Awareness Event at Clematis by
Night
Downtown West Palm Beach
5:30 pm 9:00 pm

Saint John First Baptist Church

Contact: (561) 671-4191

600 Southwest 8th Street

a 17% decrease from 2009 when 302 AIDS

and apply the information that can save their lives

achievement this year and the goals for next year.

Less than 2% of persons living with AIDS or

HIV are under the age of five.

when people of all ages become motivated to learn

will become zero.

HIV/AIDS FACTS-PALM BEACH COUNTY

is 3,389.

Belle Glade, Florida

12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M.
Tickets: $10.00
Candle Light Ceremony
Belle Glade
Candlelight AIDS walk will begin at 5:30 P.M. in

The cumulative number of AIDS cases in the

front of the City Hall (water department) at 110 Dr.

Palm Beach County is 11,136.

Martin Luther King Blvd. West. The walk will travel

Since 1997 when HIV reporting began, the

to Dolly Hand Cultural Art Center at 1977 College

Minority AIDS Initiative Network

The M.A.I.N. Event Kick-off Reception
Harley Davidson Showroom
Time: 6 pm 9 pm

Contact: MAIN @ (561) 370-3363, or

The Mosaic Group @ (561) 531-4046

*A full list of World AIDS Day Week

Events are posted at PBCHD.com

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Volume 8 Issue 4

11

Tis the Season for Flu Shots

Flu season is here and the Health Department urges residents and
visitors to take precautions to help limit their risk of exposure to
infection. Compared to most other viral respiratory infections such as
the common cold, seasonal influenza often leads to a more severe
illness, causing approximately 36,000 individuals in the U.S. die from
this infection and its complications each year.
The most effective measures we can use to fight this illness and
safeguard our communities are getting vaccinated and practicing
good hygiene habits, said State Surgeon General Dr. Frank Farmer.
Floridians can do simple things to minimize their own risk of exposure
to the virus and to prevent its transmission to others if they become ill.
If you do these things, you contribute to both your own health and your
communitys health.
DOH urges the following preventive steps:

u Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze.

u Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

u Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and
water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

u Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread
this way.

u Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

u If you or your children are sick with flulike illness, stay
home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except if
you need medical care.

u Get re-vaccinated EVERY YEAR because flu viruses change.

Should you get a Flu Shot?

The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against influenza A, B and H1N1.
Individuals six months of age and older should get a flu vaccination,
especially young children, pregnant women, those with chronic
health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and
people 65 years and older who are at increased risk for severe flu
complications. It is also important for health care workers and other
people who live with or care for high risk people to be vaccinated. Since
children younger than six months are too young to receive the vaccine,
people who care for them should be vaccinated instead.
Symptoms of the flu that should be monitored include headache, fever,
severe cough, runny nose or body aches. Contact your health care
provider immediately if symptoms appear.

Whooping
Cough
Pertussis, commonly known as Whooping
Cough, claimed the life of an infant in
September. Health officials are advising
adults with infant children and those who
will come in contact with infants to review
their vaccination record and get a tetanus/
pertussis (Tdap) booster vaccination.
We are saddened by the death of this
child and my sympathy goes out to the
parents and family, said Palm Beach
County Health Department Director Alina
Alonso, MD. Weve seen an increase in
this totally preventable disease throughout
the country and this incident really brings
it home.
Newborns and infants have limited
immunities and can easily contract
whooping cough from a parent, sibling,
grand parent or other person that may be
coughing from the disease. More than half
of the infants under six months of age who
contract pertussis require hospitalization,
are treated with a course of antibiotics,
and other preventive measures to assist
with breathing.
Its really important now, more than ever,
for adults to get the Tdap vaccine if they
havent been immunized recently, added
Dr. Alonso. All adults are encouraged to
consult with their medical provider and get
the tetanus/pertussis booster if eligible.
The more people are protected greatly
reduces the chances of passing pertussis
along to a baby.
Further information on pertussis can be
found at www.cdc.gov or www.pbchd.com
or by calling your medical provider.

v i s i t u s o n t h e w e b : w w w. p b c h d . c o m

The Palm Beach County Health Department is a

service organization responsible for the health of
over a million residents in Palm Beach County.
The many and varied core programs include disease
prevention and control, environmental public health,
school health and health education. In addition, the
department shares responsibility for primary care of
the medically indigent population of the county with the
private sector by providing millions of services annually
through its seven health centers.
The Palm Beach County Health Department has served as
the model agency for the State of Florida and many other
states throughout the country. For over 60 years it has led
the way with innovative programs that include:

v Immunizations for children

v Parental education in child care from pregnancy
to birth and beyond
v Monitoring the land, air and water
v Monitoring and testing for potential epidemics

The future holds many unknowns, but your Health Department

will be there to serve your health needs.

HEALTH ACCESS DIVISION----------------------------------- (561) 671-4036

EPIDEMIOLOGY & COMMUNICABLE DISEASE------ (561) 671-4184
ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH-----------------------------(561) 837-5900
COMMUNITY & SCHOOL HEALTH---------------------- (561) 671-4161
MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH----------------------------- (561) 671-4140
STD/TB---------------------------------------------------------- (561) 803-7362
IMMUNIZATIONS------------------------------------------- (561) 840-4568
NUTRITION SERVICES--------------------------------- (561) 671-4089
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
------------------------------------------------------------------ (561) 671-4014
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE/PUBLIC HEALTH
RESIDENCY PROGRAM-----------------------------(561) 837-5165
DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH----------------------- (561) 837-5560
VITAL STATISTICS-------------------------------(561) 837-5841
WIC------------------------------------------ (561) 357-6007

APPOINTMENT LINE

1-855-GET-APPT (438-2778)
(561) 625-5180 v i s i t u s o n t h e w e b : w w w. p b c h d . c o m

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