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Health and Family Services Cabinet « Result #1 on Oct 28, 2009, 6:31am »
Two Additional H1N1-related Deaths Reported
Dr. William D. Hacker
Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) officials provided an update today on H1N1 (swine flu) activity in the state, including the reporting of two additional H1N1-related deaths.
The deaths involved a woman in her 80s from Knox County with significant underlying health issues who died in September, and a man in his 40s from the Kentucky State Reformatory in Oldham County who was being treated off-site. The state now has 10 recognized H1N1-associated deaths.
"It is always a tragedy when we lose any Kentuckian to illness," said DPH Commissioner William Hacker, M.D.. "We know that seven of the 10 individuals we have lost in Kentucky are in target groups for the H1N1 vaccine. People in these groups are at higher risk for complications from the swine flu and should get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available in their community. While we don't yet have as much of the swine flu vaccine on hand as we would like, we know more will arrive in the coming weeks."
Kentucky has been allocated 177,400 doses of the swine flu vaccine so far, with more than 138,000 doses of that having shipped to health departments and health care providers in the state.
"Kentucky continues to experience widespread flu activity at the moment. I'd like to remind everyone that your mother's advice—washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick—is very effective at preventing the spread of flu," said Dr. Hacker. "The flu vaccine is also one of the most effective tools we have against influenza, and while there are a few clinics already taking place in the state, we hope to begin immunizing more Kentuckians in the weeks ahead. We ask that people find out if they or their family members are in a target group for the H1N1 vaccine, and that we all let those higher-risk individuals get vaccinated first."
The state's allotment of vaccine so far has been about half nasal spray vaccine, which can only be taken by healthy individuals ages 2-49, with the rest in the form of the H1N1 flu shot vaccine. The target groups that health officials are recommending receive vaccine first are:
- pregnant women;
- people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old;
- health care and emergency medical services workers;
- children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old, especially those with chronic health problems; and
- people 25 to 64 years old with chronic health problems.
People over the age of 65 appear to be at lower risk of catching the swine flu, and should receive the vaccine once those in the target groups have received it.
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Kentucky State Parks « Result #2 on Oct 23, 2009, 9:33am »
Cumberland Falls Invites Hikers to Take ‘Moonbow Trail Trek’
The 19th annual Moonbow Trail Trek, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offers nature lovers the opportunity to combine a challenging hike with a chance to view some beautiful scenery. Cumberland Falls is called the “Niagara of the South” because of its 125-foot-wide curtain of water. Sometimes at night, when conditions are right, mists from the falls produce a faint rainbow, known as a moonbow. The next moonbow may be visible after dark Nov. 1-4.
The Moonbow Trail Trek takes hikers during daylight hours to see the falls and other natural formations, including cascading streams, tower cliffs and house-sized rock formations. There is a 10-mile trek for the most adventurous hikers and a 4.5-mile trek for those with less experience. The 10-mile hike departs at 8:30 a.m., and the 4.5 mile trek leaves at 10 a.m. Availability is limited and participants must be pre-registered by Oct. 30. Participation is limited to the first 100 people to register.
Check-in stations will be staffed throughout the hike and sweeps will be conducted to ensure safety. The Moonbow Trail Trek is not recommended for children under 10 years old or solo hikers. The cost is $15 per person and includes a T-shirt. Participants should bring a daypack, hiking boots, extra socks, a flashlight, batteries, rain gear, a first aid kit, a warm jacket, and enough food and water to last six to eight hours.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin has a lodge, cottages, the Riverview Restaurant, a campground, and hiking trails. For more information and to register for the Moonbow Trail Trek, call 1-800-325-0063 or 606-528-4121 or email Bret Smitley at BretA.Smitley@ky.gov.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at:
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Seasonal Flu Vaccine « Result #3 on Oct 10, 2009, 9:50am »
Department for Public Health Expects More Seasonal Flu Vaccine Some Areas Experiencing Temporary Shortages
Dr. William D. Hacker
Kentucky Department for Public Health officials expect plenty of seasonal influenza vaccine to be available over the months ahead, but have received reports of temporary shortages in some areas due to early, increased demand.
"We encouraged individuals not to delay getting their annual seasonal flu shots this year, with vaccine arriving earlier than usual in many places around the state," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "What we're experiencing now are some spot shortages due to increased uptake earlier than normal, but at this time we expect those to be temporary. Flu vaccine manufacturers typically keep shipping vaccine into November and December—or even later—and the federal government says an adequate supply of seasonal flu vaccine will ultimately be available this year. At this point, we are not yet seeing the seasonal type of flu circulating, so there is still plenty of time for Kentuckians to get their flu shots and be protected."
The increased demand for the seasonal flu shot is thought to be tied to increased awareness about the flu season due to widespread activity of 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu). The nasal vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 influenza strain began arriving this week in Kentucky in limited quantities, and will be initially targeted primarily to health care workers. The H1N1 shot vaccine should be available later this month, with H1N1 vaccination clinics and greater availability for the general public likely to begin in early November. Vaccination against 2009 H1N1 influenza does not protect against seasonal influenza.
Seasonal flu vaccine is highly recommended for: children age 6 months to 19 years old; pregnant women; people 50 years old or older; people of any age with chronic health problems; people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; health care workers; caregivers of or people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu; and out-of-home caregivers of or people who live with children less than 6 months old.
Individuals may also want to talk to their health care provider about whether they should receive the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine protects against pneumococcal pneumonia, a relatively common complication of the flu, and there are no current shortages of it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends this vaccine for all people 65 years and older and for persons 2 to 64 years of age with certain high-risk conditions. A single revaccination at least five years after initial vaccination is recommended for people 65 years and older who were first vaccinated before age 65 years as well as for people at highest risk, such as those who have no spleen, and those who have HIV infection, AIDS or malignancy. Visit:
for information on seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu in Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter. Kentucky's toll-free influenza hotline number is 1(877)843-7727, and operates from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
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Kentucky State Parks « Result #4 on Oct 10, 2009, 9:25am »
CCC Reunion Planned At Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is hosting a reunion for a group of people who left their mark on Kentucky and the rest of the country during the Great Depression. A reunion of the Civilian Conservation Corps will be held on October 10, 2009 from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
The CCC was a work relief program established in 1933 by President Franklin Roosevelt to combat poverty and unemployment. The young men who made up the CCC constructed buildings and trails at local, state and federal parks, worked on conservation and flood control projects, planted trees and fought forest fires.
CCC crews built a lodge at Cumberland Falls (that later burned down) along with cottages, shelters, trails and a fire tower. There are CCC buildings and projects still in use today at several Kentucky State Parks. About 80,000 Kentuckians served in the CCC and nearly 100 camps were built across the Commonwealth. For more information on the Civilian Conservation Corps visit:
Cumberland Falls is described as the "The Niagara of the South" plunging 65 feet – nearly seven stories -- into a boulder strewn gorge. The park includes historic DuPont Lodge (built in 1941 by the Works Progress Administration), cottages, Riverview Restaurant, gift shop and visitor center, campground, hiking trails and fishing. Every month, the unique “moonbow” is visable at the falls, weather permitting.
For event registration and information, contact Naturalist Bret Smitley at 1-800-325-0063 or email BretA.Smitley@ky.gov.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at:
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Press Release « Result #5 on Oct 9, 2009, 4:50pm »
Governor Beshear Orders Flags to Half-staff
Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the Department of Defense, Spc. Russell S. Hercules Jr., 22, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died Oct. 1, 2009 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell.
Burial services for Spc. Hercules Jr. will be Friday, October 9 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Gov. Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on that day.
Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.
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Kentucky State Parks « Result #6 on Oct 9, 2009, 4:45pm »
PhotoScenic Weekend Set For Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host the 47th annual PhotoScenic Kentucky Workshop the weekend of Oct. 24-25. The weekend includes a series of workshops for “serious amateur” photographers in one of the best known natural settings in the state. The workshops are free, but advance registration is requested. Leading the workshops will be former Courier-Journal and Detroit News photo director C. Thomas Hardin and current Courier-Journal photographer Bill Luster. All photographers at the workshop will shoot digital.
The weekend will include guest speakers and a critique of the work that is produced. Anyone interested in attending the free workshops is asked to register in advance. To register or for more information, call Hardin at 502-452-9491 or Luster at 502-558-0722. Or email billluster@mac.com
Natural Bridge State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, the Sandstone Arches Restaurant, gift shop and hiking trails. For more information or for room reservations, phone 1-800-325-1710. The resort near Slade is 52 miles southeast of Lexington off the Mountain Parkway on KY 11. Because of the popularity of Natural Bridge at this time of year, availability of rooms may be limited. Guests may want to consider other state resort parks in the area such as Buckhorn Lake or Jenny Wiley. For more information, visit:
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at:
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Swine Flu Hotline « Result #7 on Oct 5, 2009, 6:41pm »
Kentucky Department for Public Health Launches Swine Flu Hotline Hotline staff, Web site will help Kentuckians find information
Dr. William D. Hacker
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) encourages Kentuckians to call a new toll-free hotline with their questions related to 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and seasonal flu for the latest news and information about flu. The toll-free hotline number is 1(877)843-7727, and it will operate from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Information on the H1N1 virus is also readily available by visiting the redesigned Health Alerts Web site at:
"We want Kentuckians to be able to access the most current and accurate information related to the ongoing 2009 H1N1 flu situation," said Gov. Steve Beshear. "Particularly now that vaccine is beginning to become available, we know that citizens will have questions about whether the H1N1 flu vaccine is right for them and when they might be able to receive it. The hotline and Health Alert Web site will provide easier access to the information they need."
The flu hotline will be staffed by nurses and administered by Kosair Children’s Hospital, a part of Norton Healthcare, through a contract with DPH funded by a federal grant award related to H1N1 activities. Kosair Children’s Hospital also operates the state's Regional Poison Center hotline. The flu hotline will be active through at least the end of December.
“As an advocate for children and families across the state, we are committed to ensuring that the public has access to the most accurate, up-to-date information about health issues, including H1N1influenza,” said Thomas D. Kmetz, president of Kosair Children’s Hospital and pediatric services at Norton Healthcare. “We are pleased to be able to partner with the state to help people get their questions and concerns about H1N1 answered.”
The Health Alerts Web site has also been relaunched in an easy-to-navigate format, and will be updated daily with new information about swine flu, seasonal flu and flu vaccines, as well as any other breaking health news. It includes resources for families and individuals, health care professionals, schools and day cares, other community organizations and business owners. It also provides information for the media.
Kentucky was eligible to begin ordering 24,300 doses of nasal spray H1N1 vaccine last week, and expects shipments to begin arriving this week. The nasal spray vaccine can be taken by healthy individuals ages 2-49. The first doses will be targeted mainly at health care workers under age 40 who are healthy, with broader availability as supplies increase. The H1N1 flu shot vaccine is expected to be available mid- to late October, with vaccine clinics for the public likely to be scheduled in early November.
The symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 influenza include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and may include vomiting or diarrhea. Individuals at higher risk for complications—such as those with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant—should contact a health care provider early, in case treatment with antiviral medication is necessary.
Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing. For more information on seasonal and swine flu, visit:
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Halloween Scream « Result #8 on Sept 30, 2009, 9:11pm »
Kentucky State Parks Ready For A Real Halloween Scream In October
Kentucky State Parks are getting out the pumpkins and ghoulish decorations to prepare for one of the most popular times at parks – Halloween. Many of the park system’s campgrounds will be having special activities for campers, including decorations, costumes, hayrides and games for the kids. And other resort parks, recreation parks and historic sites will also have special events in late October -- a great time to be outside with family and friends.
Parents of young children should check in advance – some parks have age recommendations for their events. Don’t forget that resort parks have lodge rooms and cottages available as well as excellent restaurants with your favorite meals. For more information about state park events or to make lodging or camping reservations, visit:
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn Trail of Scarecrows Oct. 11-31
Come and walk our "trail of scarecrows" that local businesses and groups have made. 800-325-0058.
Murder Mystery--Trouble at the Tropicabana Oct. 30-Nov. 1
This special event at Buckhorn Lake will be presented by Fantastical Theatricals of Lexington. Friday evening includes a dance/costume party, with Halloween appropriate songs and dances. You will even have the opportunity to learn the dance from "Thriller." On Saturday the park will host a murder-mystery called "Trouble at the Tropicabana" -- a spoof of the "I Love Lucy" show. It takes place in the nightclub, so there is lots of fun, Latin song and dance and of course loads of Ricky, Lucy, Fred and Ethel zaniness! 800-325-0058.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin Howling at the Moon Oct. 31
Cumberland Falls will host the “Howling at the Moon” starting at 8 p.m. at the park visitor center. Telescopes will be set up for moon viewing. Costumed stargazers will get trick or treat candy. The event will end about 9 p.m. Camper decorating contest with prizes being awarded for: scariest campsite, 1st, 2nd and third place. 1-800-325-0063.
Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond Halloween Fest XV Oct. 13 - 25
Come early and join us for our biggest Halloween Party yet as we celebrate with THIRTEEN days of fun and frights. We will have scheduled times for haunted putt-putt, camper decoration contests, costume contests, ghost walks, bean supper, pancake breakfast, Halloween parade, crafts, Pumpkin Express hayrides, Pirate hikes, live entertainment, trick or treating and lots, lots more. This event is for registered campers only. For more information call (859) 527-3131, ext. 218 or email booncamp@bellsouth.net.
General Burnside State Park, Burnside Spook Out Weekend Oct. 23-24
Come join the park if you dare. This is a weekend of spooks and fun. Campers please decorate your sites. Lots of games and activities for all ages. 606-561-4104
Levi Jackson State Park, London Camp Spook Oct. 19-24
Camping amidst the ghosts and goblins, beautiful sights of fall decorations, costume contests and trick-or-treating is all a part of the Halloween festivities. Nightly activities will lead up to a chili cook-off on Friday evening that all campers can enjoy. Registration to enter a pot of chili is required prior to the event. Hayrides, crafts, games and other contests are planned for the big and little alike. Prizes for decorated campsites include best autumn, animated, most creative, scariest and best overall. A mystical array of lights and animation is a hallowing sight to see. Call the park for more information at 606-330-2130.
White Hall State Historic Site, Richmond Ghost Walk Oct. 29-31
This is a must see theatrical experience performed by Eastern Kentucky University's Theater Department. "Spirit Guides" lead guests from room to room and introduce the spirits of the past, who come out of the dimness to tell the tender and incredible stories of the illustrious Clay family. Each tour is limited to 20 people. Tickets must be purchased in advance. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Eastern Kentucky University Theater Department scholarship fund. First performance is at 7 p.m. with 12 tours a night. Tickets are $10.00 per person, by reservation only. Call (859) 623-9178 for information and reservations.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at:
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Kentucky State Parks « Result #9 on Sept 4, 2009, 10:55am »
Elk Viewing Tours Scheduled At Three Eastern Kentucky State Parks
The Kentucky State Parks are offering elk viewing tours at three Eastern Kentucky resort parks this fall and winter – Jenny Wiley, Buckhorn Lake and Pine Mountain. Guests can pick out a weekend, stay at a state park lodge or cottage and rise early to enjoy one of these unique tours. Participants should bring their cameras – there should be great photography opportunities. The largest elk herds are located on privately-owned lands that are normally closed to the public. This is one of the few opportunities available for the public to see the greatest number of elk.
The return of elk to the region is considered to be one of Kentucky’s biggest wildlife management success stories. The animals, after being gone from the state for 150 years, were returned in 1997. They now number 11,000.
“Elk viewing tours continue to be a very popular wildlife viewing experience,” said Carey Tichenor, the director of recreation and interpretation for parks. “Being able to experience viewing a herd of free roaming elk in the eastern forests, hearing the bugle of a bull elk in an early morning fog, gives you a glimpse into Kentucky's history."
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Kentucky State Parks « Result #10 on Sept 3, 2009, 6:26pm »
Anniversary of Siege of Boonesborough Set
The commemoration of the Siege of Boonesborough will be held Sept. 26-27 at Fort Boonesborough State Park near Richmond. The weekend will include a living history re-enactment of the siege with militia, settler camps, a Native American village, merchants, traders, cannon firing, period music and more. The 18th Century Store, Museum Store and Fort Museum will also be open. The fort will be open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days.
The re-enactment will take place at 2 p.m. both days and is free with a paid admission to the fort. There will also be a special night battle at dusk on Saturday, Sept. 26. Admission for the night battle is $3 for adults and $1 for children. Guests who pay admission earlier in the day may return for the night battle at no extra charge.
The 10-day siege took place in September 1778 when Chief Blackfish’s Shawnee warriors and a detachment of French Canadians under British command attacked the pioneer settlement along the Kentucky River. Although Booonesborough had only 60 men, and a small number of women and children, their ability to hold off the attack was pivotal to the success of the American cause on the western frontier during the Revolutionary War.
This event is also supported by the Fort Boonesborough Foundation. All weekend events are free with paid admission to the fort.
For more information, call the park at 859-527-3131 or visit www.fortboonesboroughlivinghistory.org. Fort Boonesborough State Park features a reconstructed fort with cabins, blockhouses and furnishings. There is an admission charged for the fort. There is also a 167-site campground, mini-golf, and hiking available at the park.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at
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