Monday, March 30, 2020

Offenses Known To Law Enforcement In Large Cities, 2018

"The tables published in Offenses Known to Law Enforcement in Large Cities, 2018, enable users to access FBI reported crime data for large cities of 250,000 population or more. These same data are published by the FBI in the Crime in the United States publication and can be found in tables associated with the state in which the agency is located. Tables published here by BJS provide those large city crime data in a singular set of tabulations. In addition, the FBI make these data available at the agency level through the Crime Data Explorer, and BJS and the FBI make these data available through the online UCR Data Tool. BJS has provided these tables for easier access to the public.
Full report (PDF 1.1M).." 
Offenses know to law enforcement

COVID-19: State and Local Shut-Down Orders and Exemptions for Critical Infrastructure

"Since the onset of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States, public officials have issued numerous emergency directives closing non-essential businesses and facilities and instructing non-essential workers to stay home. However, these directives have generally included exemptions for essential businesses and other facilities if they are part of a critical infrastructure sector or provide essential services.

Some business leaders have invoked federal authorities and guidelines when contesting state or local orders that would affect their operations. Uncertainty about what systems, assets, and facilities are part of a federally recognized critical infrastructure sector, and what (if any) official status is conferred to a company that is a participant in such a sector, may complicate both administration of emergency directives and impact private-sector management of critical infrastructures and workforces.

This Insight provides an overview of the federal critical infrastructure protection and resilience policy framework and discusses its relevance and potential application to the management of essential systems, assets, facilities, and workforces subject to state and local emergency orders..."
COVID-19 and shutdowns

Friday, March 27, 2020

Pandemic Influenza Plan, 2017 Update

"The last Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Department of Health and Human Services Update was issued in 2009. Since that time, our nation has experienced, and learned from, the 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic and the emergence of other influenza viruses of concern, such as H7N9 that emerged in 2013 in China and continues to cause periodic outbreaks. We have also responded to other serious disease outbreaks, including Ebola and Zika virus. Each instance has highlighted the need to be as prepared as we can be—because a fast, effective public health response demands it.

The original 2005 Plan was audacious in its goals—for domestic pandemic vaccine production capacity, for stockpiling of antiviral drugs and pre-pandemic vaccines, and for using community mitigation measures to slow spread of disease. At the time of the Plan’s writing, the Nation was wholly unprepared to address the significant medical and health needs that a severe pandemic might present. Challenges included limited domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity, a very low supply of antiviral drugs, and lack of community planning for responding to an infectious disease outbreak. More than ten years later, we have many successes to celebrate—but we must not become complacent, because so many challenges remain..."
Pandemic Plan

Thursday, March 26, 2020

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day

"World TB Day is observed every year on March 24. Learn how CDC is working for a TB free world.
World TB Day commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB. This year’s World TB Day theme “It’s Time to End TB” highlights the importance of a renewed commitment to TB and the need to expand testing and treatment of latent TB infection.
Despite being preventable and curable, TB is the world’s leading infectious disease killer. Two billion people – one fourth of the world’s population – are infected with latent TB, with more than 10 million becoming ill with active TB disease each year, including 1,100,000 children, and over 500,000 persons with drug-resistant TB.
TB affects millions around the world and here in the United States; in every state; in rural areas and cities; in schools, workplaces, homes; and in many other places where people are in close contact. Drug-resistance continues to threaten our ability to treat and manage TB disease. Better diagnostics, shorter treatment regimens, and strong partnerships both domestic and global, are needed to accelerate progress toward elimination. Learn what CDC is doing in the United States and around the world to eliminate this devastating disease.."
Tuberculosis

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

The Surprising Truth About Prediabetes

"It’s real. It’s common. And most importantly, it’s reversible. You can prevent or delay prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes with simple, proven lifestyle changes.
Amazing but true: approximately 88 million American adults—1 in 3—have prediabetes. What’s more, 90% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it. Could this be you? Read on to find out the facts and what you can do to stay healthy.

Prediabetes Is a Big Deal

Don’t let the “pre” fool you—prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
 

Prediabetes Flies Under the Radar

You can have prediabetes for years but have no clear symptoms, so it often goes undetected until serious health problems show up. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested if you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes, which include:
  • Being overweight
  • Being 45 years or older
  • Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
  • Being physically active less than 3 times a week
  • Ever having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
Race and ethnicity are also a factor: African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.."
Prediabetes

Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Identified by Members of Congress for Selected Positions

"The roles, duties, and activities of congressional staff are matters of ongoing interest to Members of Congress, congressional staff, and observers of Congress. Members of the House and Senate establish their own employment policies and practices for their personal offices. It is arguably the case that within Member offices, a common group of activities is executed for which staff are necessary. Accordingly, a group of job advertisements for those positions from a number of different offices can shed light on the expectations Members have for position duties, as well as staff skills, characteristics, experience, and other expectations. This report provides a set of 39 widely expected job duties, applicant skills, characteristics, prior experiences, and other expectations based on a sample of ads placed by Members of Congress between approximately December 2014 and September 2019 seeking staff in their offices for 33 position titles:

Caseworker, Communications Director, Constituent Services Representative,Coordinator Correspondence Manager, Deputy Press Secretary, Deputy Scheduler, Deputy Scheduler/Assistant to Chief of Staff, Digital Director/Press Assistant, Digital Media Director,
District Director, District, Field, or Regional Representative, Executive Assistant, Executive Assistant/Scheduler, Field Representative/Caseworker, Legislative Aide, Legislative Assistant, Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Correspondent/Press Assistant, Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant, Legislative Counsel, Legislative Director,
Military Legislative Assistant, Press Assistant, Press Secretary, Regional Coordinator,  Scheduler, Scheduler/Office Manager, Senior Legislative Assistant,  Speechwriter,  Staff Assistant, Staff Assistant/Driver, Staff Assistant/Press Assistant, Systems Administrator.."
Congressional staff

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Executive Order on Prioritizing and Allocating Health and Medical Resources to Respond to the Spread of Covid-19

"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.) (the “Act”), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1.  Policy and Findings.  On March 13, 2020, I declared a national emergency recognizing the threat that the novel (new) coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 poses to our national security.  In recognizing the public health risk, I noted that on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced that the outbreak of COVID-19 (the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2) can be characterized as a pandemic.  I also noted that while the Federal Government, along with State and local governments, have taken preventive and proactive measures to slow the spread of the virus and to treat those affected, the spread of COVID-19 within our Nation’s communities threatens to strain our Nation’s healthcare system.  To ensure that our healthcare system is able to surge capacity and capability to respond to the spread of COVID-19, it is critical that all health and medical resources needed to respond to the spread of COVID-19 are properly distributed to the Nation’s healthcare system and others that need them most at this time.

Accordingly, I find that health and medical resources needed to respond to the spread of COVID-19, including personal protective equipment and ventilators, meet the criteria specified in section 101(b) of the Act (50 U.S.C. 4511(b)).  Under the delegation of authority provided in this order, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may identify additional specific health and medical resources that meet the criteria of section 101(b)..."
Executive order and allocating health resources

Monday, March 16, 2020

CDC's Bleeding Disorders Surveillance Work

"What is hemophilia?

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly due to a lack of clotting factor proteins in the blood. As a result, people with hemophilia experience excessive bleeding after an injury or trauma, as well as spontaneous bleeding that can occur for no apparent reason.

Why is hemophilia research important?

Hemophilia is a rare disorder that primarily affects men, occurring in about 1 of every 5,000 male births. Women can have hemophilia too, but it is much rarer in this group. People with hemophilia can experience a range of health problems, such as joint disease and inhibitors (antibodies that can make treating hemophilia more challenging), that impact day-to-day activities and affect overall health and quality of life.
Research helps scientists learn more about the health problems and challenges people with hemophilia face to gain insight into how these health problems can be prevented or reduced to improve health and quality of life.

CDC’s bleeding disorder surveillance work

Historically, one challenge to hemophilia research has been the lack of uniform health data on people living with this condition. To address this challenge, CDC collaborated with federally funded hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) to create a national public health surveillance project called the Universal Data Collection (UDC) system. To expand upon the work of the UDC system, which concluded in 2011, CDC developed the Community Counts program..."
Bleeding disorders

Mayor Rhodes-Conway Statement on City of Madison Actions on Coronavirus

"Monday, March 16, 2020 - 11:20am
The City of Madison has been working around the clock since before the first Dane County case on February 5th to slow the transmission of the COVID-19 virus and protect our community. We are actively coordinating with school, county, state and federal agencies to respond to the latest information and developments.
My priorities are clear: slow the spread of the virus, protect the capacity of the city’s health care system, protect our most vulnerable populations, and continue to deliver essential public services.
Below are brief updates on the status of some of our efforts. Expect more details in the coming days as our incredibly dedicated staff continue to work on these issues.
CONTINUITY OF CITY OPERATIONS
Public health and safety are our top priorities. All city departments have prepared continuity of operations plans and we have an active Emergency Operations Center managing our city-wide response. We are preparing as many staff as possible to work from home. We have reduced the number of in-person staff meetings for employees as well.
EMERGENCY ORDERS
Public Health issued a mandatory emergency order on Sunday stopping gatherings of 50 or more people in Dane County, with additional guidance for senior centers, restaurants and theatres. Details of this order can be found here.
SCHOOL CLOSURES, CHILDCARE
We know that with the schools closed, there is additional stress on all families of school-aged children and city staff are working with employees to minimize that disruption while continuing to provide essential city services. We understand the importance of quality childcare in all situations and are working with partners to assist in that crucial service as well.
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES
I am working with the City Council President, Alder Shiva Bidar, to minimize risk for city employees and committee members. We are working to temporarily cancel nearly all committee meetings, and teleconferencing options will be established. This cannot be done immediately for all boards, commissions and committees so we ask for your patience as we work through this with IT and develop appropriate public notification practices.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARIES
We know that people depend on the services available in our public libraries, and so although we are, for the time-being, postponing structured activities there, most libraries are open today and we are working to keep them clean and promote social distancing. The library board will be meeting on Tuesday to further discuss this situation. We hope patrons who use them to check out books, for early voting, for filling out the census and other purposes will follow best practices for protecting themselves and others from this virus as well.
PEOPLE IMPACTED BY HOMELESSNESS
We have staff working with our partners who care for and provide food and shelter for our homeless to make sure they are prepared and protected.."
City of Madison & Coronavirus

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Clean & Disinfect

"Interim Recommendations for US Households with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background
There is much to learn about the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on what is currently known about the novel coronavirus and similar coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS, spread from person-to-person with these viruses happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented. Transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through fomites. Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.
Purpose
This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of households where persons under investigation (PUI) or those with confirmed COVID-19 reside or may be in self-isolation. It is aimed at limiting the survival of the virus in the environments. These recommendations will be updated if additional information becomes available.
These guidelines are focused on household settings and are meant for the general public.
  • Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
  • Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
General Recommendations for Routine Cleaning and Disinfection of Households
Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product..."
Clean and Disinfect

Department of Homeland Security Outlines New Process for Americans Returning from Certain European Countries, China, and Iran

"In order to help prevent the spread of travel-related cases of coronavirus in the United States, today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions outlining the process for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries (listed below), China, and Iran.
Effective for flights taking off at 11:59 PM EDT on Friday, March 13th, Americans returning from all restricted countries will now be required to travel through the following 13 airports:
  • Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
  • Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan
  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
  • Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California
  • Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
  • Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
Upon arrival, travelers will proceed to standard customs processing. They will then continue to enhanced entry screening where the passenger will be asked about their medical history, current condition, and asked for contact information for local health authorities. Passengers will then be given written guidance about COVID-19 and directed to proceed to their final destination, and immediately home-quarantine in accordance with CDC best practices.

DHS Notice of Arrival Restrictions on China, Iran and Schengen Countries of Europe

"American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are arriving from impacted area must travel through one of 13 airports where DHS has established enhanced entry screening capabilities.
  • All American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning from the impacted area must self-quarantine for 14 days after their arrival.
  • For more information on the coronavirus, please visit Coronavirus.gov

Summary

In furtherance of Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, and 9993, which bans the entry of non-U.S. citizens who are from or recently been in China, Iran, or 26 European countries, the Department of Homeland Security issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions requiring American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home to the U.S. to travel through one of 13 airports upon arrival to the U.S., submit to an enhanced entry screening and self-quarantine for 14 days once they reach their final destination..."
DHS Arrival restrictions

Saturday, March 14, 2020

When and How to Wash Your Hands

"Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time.
  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them..."
    Hand washing

Friday, March 13, 2020

List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2

"The EPA-registered surface disinfectant products on our Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 list have qualified under EPA's emerging viral pathogen program for use against SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. 
EPA strongly recommends following the product label use directions for enveloped viruses, as indicated by the approved emerging viral pathogen claim on the master label.

How to Use the List
  1. Locate the EPA Registration Number on the disinfectant 
  2. Look for that number on List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
  3. Click on a product’s Registration Number  
  4. Look for the Emerging Viral Pathogens Claims section on the master label 
  5. Look for the Enveloped Virus information in the chart to find which organism’s directions for use you should follow
  6. Go to the product label and follow the directions for use against the listed organism
    • If there are multiple organisms listed, use the longest contact time, and if applicable, the highest concentration.."
      Recommended Disinfectants

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Coronavirus and Travel in the United States Should I travel within the US?

"CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in many states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19, if there are other travelers with COVID-19. There are several things you should consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel.
Things to consider before travel:
  • Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re going?
    If COVID-19 is spreading at your destination, but not where you live, you may be at higher risk of exposure if you travel there.
  • Will you or your travel companion(s) be in close contact with others during your trip?
    Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded settings, particularly closed-in settings with little air circulation, if there are people in the crowd who are sick. This may include settings such as conferences, public events (like concerts and sporting events), religious gatherings, public spaces (like movie theatres and shopping malls), and public transportation (like buses, metro, trains).
  • Are you or your travel companion(s) at higher risk of severe illness if you do get COVID-19?
    People at higher risk for severe disease are older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes). CDC recommends that travelers at higher risk for COVID-19 complications avoid all cruise travel and nonessential air travel.
  • Do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, in case you get exposed to, or are sick with, COVID-19?
    If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19 during travel, you may be asked to stay home to self-monitor and avoid contact with others for up to 14 days after travel. If you become sick with COVID-19, you may be unable to go to work or school until you’re considered noninfectious. You will be asked to avoid contact with others (including being in public places) during this period of infectiousness.
  • Do you live with someone who is older or has a severe chronic health condition?
    If you get sick with COVID-19 upon your return from travel, your household contacts may be at risk of infection. Household contacts who are older adults or have severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Is COVID-19 spreading where you live?Consider the risk of passing COVID-19 to others during travel, particularly if you will be in close contact with people who are older adults or have severe chronic health condition These people are at higher risk of getting very sick. If your symptoms are mild or you don’t have a fever, you may not realize you are infectious.
Depending on your unique circumstances, you may choose to delay or cancel your plans. If you do decide to travel, be sure to practice precautions to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases during travel. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 travel information, visit CDC COVID-19 Travel page..."
Coronavirus and travel within U.S.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Flood Safety Tips

"During a Flood Watch or Warning

  • Gather emergency supplies.
  • Listen to your local radio or television station for updates.
  • Have immunization records handy (or know the year of your last tetanus shot).
    • Store immunization records in a waterproof container.
  • Prepare an emergency food and water supply. Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Store at least a 3-day supply.
  • Bring in outdoor possessions (lawn furniture, grills, trash cans) or tie them down securely.
  • If evacuation appears necessary: turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
  • Leave areas subject to flooding: low spots, canyons, washes, etc. (Remember: avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water.)

After Flooding Occurs

  • Avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash/prepare food. Drink clean, safe water.
  • If you evacuated: return to your home only after local authorities have said it is safe to do so.
  • Listen to water advisory from local authorities to find out if your water is safe for drinking and bathing.
    • During a water advisory, use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, etc.
  • When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food and bottled water that comes/may have come into contact with floodwater.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet from any doors, windows, or vents. If you use a pressure washer, be sure to keep the engine outdoors and 20 feet from windows, doors, or vents as well..."
    Flood safety

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

"Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
Regular screening, beginning at age 50, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. If you’re 50 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 50 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you’re older than 75, ask your doctor if you should be screened.

Fast Facts

  • Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
  • Every year, about 140,000 people in the United States get colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die of it.
  • Risk increases with age. More than 90% of colorectal cancers occur in people who are 50 years old or older.
  • Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. If you have symptoms, they may include blood in or on the stool, stomach pain that doesn’t go away, or losing weight and you don’t know why. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
  • There are several screening test options. Talk with your doctor about which is right for you.
  • Only about two-thirds of adults in the United States are up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening..."
    Colorectal cancer

Hib Vaccination

"Make sure your child gets all shots of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine for protection against Hib disease. Hib vaccines protect young children when they are at highest risk of getting Hib disease and having serious complications.
Vaccines can prevent disease caused by Hib, but not the other types (“strains”) of H. influenzae bacteria. The best way to prevent Hib disease is to get vaccinated.

CDC Recommends Hib Vaccines for All Young Children and Certain Other People

CDC recommends Hib vaccination for all children younger than 5 years old. Children need multiple (3 or 4) shots of a Hib vaccine. CDC recommends shots at the following ages:
  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months (if needed; depends on brand)
  • 12 through 15 months
Call your child’s doctor if you have questions and to make sure your child received all recommended doses.
Older children and adults usually do not need a Hib vaccine. However, CDC recommends Hib vaccination for people with certain medical conditions. Talk with your or your child’s doctor if you have questions about Hib vaccines..."
Hib Vaccination

What you need to know about Keeping Workplaces, Homes, Schools, or Commercial Establishments Safe.pdf

"Keeping the workplace safe
 Encourage your employees to...

Practice good hygiene
 Stop handshaking – use other noncontact methods of greeting
 Clean hands at the door and schedule regular hand washing reminders by email
 Create habits and reminders to avoid touching their faces and cover coughs and sneezes  Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly
 Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning

Be careful with meetings and travel 
 Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible
 When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces
 Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings
 Assess the risks of business travel

Handle food carefully
 Limit food sharing
 Strengthen health screening for cafeteria staff and their close contacts
 Ensure cafeteria staff and their close contacts practice strict hygiene

Stay home if...
 They are feeling sick
  They have a sick family member in their home..."
Coronavirus Task Force. Keeping workplace, home, schools safe

CDC and Special Olympics: Inclusive Health

"People with intellectual disabilities (ID)—difficulty with thinking, learning, remembering, and reasoning—experience poorer access to quality health care and have poorer health outcomes than people without ID.1 Learn how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with Special Olympics to improve the health of people with ID.
Although progress has been made through federal policies, such as the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), that have provided people with disabilities better access to buildings, transportation, and employment, people with disabilities continue to have differences in health outcomes compared to those without disabilities.2 For instance, people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more likely to have difficulty receiving quality healthcare services, often receiving fewer preventive check-ups, such as cancer screenings.1,2 People with ID, their caregivers, and health care providers may need to work together closely to make sure long-lasting conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease and epilepsy), common among this population are managed successfully.
CDC and Special Olympicsexternal icon have joined forces to address these challenges, break down barriers to inclusive health services and programs, challenge misperceptions, eliminate stigma, and improve the health of people with ID. Together, CDC and Special Olympics are working toward a future in which all children and adults with ID have the ability to get healthcare services throughout their lives and are included in programs that promote long-term health.

Healthy Athletes

The Healthy Athletesexternal icon program was created by Special Olympics to help meet the health needs of their athletes during local, state, regional, national, and international events. Officially launched in 1997, Healthy Athletes events are conducted in a welcoming, fun environment, and are designed to educate athletes on how to make healthy lifestyle choices and to identify health problems that may need additional follow-up. Currently, Healthy Athletes offers health testing in eight areas:
  • Fit Feet (podiatry);
  • FUNfitness (physical therapy);
  • Health Promotion (better health and well-being);
  • Healthy Hearing (audiology);
  • MedFest (sports physical exam);
  • Opening Eyes (vision);
  • Special Smiles (dentistry); and
  • Strong Minds (emotional well-being)..."
    Special Olympics